Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $28.6 million contract to provide 12 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to the United Arab Emirates.

The systems provide updated crew protection capabilities with sapphire transparent armor glass. The contract, awarded by the U.S. Army in support of a U.S. foreign military sale to the UAE, also includes associated training, software, spares and product modifications.

Lockheed Martin's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, also known as HIMARS, offers a Multiple Launch Rocket System. The system carries a single six-pack of rockets at a time onboard a five-ton truck, capable of launching the entire family of MLRS munitions.

HIMARS can be used to provide heavyweight fire-support for early entry and light forces on the ground. Lockheed Martin's updated system is designed to be deployed in areas not normally accessible to heavyweight launchers.

The system was combat-tested during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Work on the contract will be performed in Camden, Ark., and Dallas, Texas.