US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that the US Department of State has approved a possible $1 billion sale of Predator drones, equipment, training and support to the United Kingdom.

The US Department of State has approved a possible $1 billion sale of Predator drones, equipment, training and support to the United Kingdom, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a release.

“This sale will improve the United Kingdom’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing improved Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage that enhances homeland security, promotes increased battlefield situational awareness, augments combat search and rescue, and provides ground troop support,” the release stated on Wednesday.

The UK government intends to buy 26 Predator drones, 12 advanced ground control stations, along with other systems, equipment and personnel training programs.

“The Certifiable Predator B will also be used to support the UK’s armed forces and coalition forces engaged in current and future peacekeeping, peace-enforcing, counter-insurgent, and counterterrorism operations,” the release noted.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems from San Diego, California will be the principal contractor for the sale, according to the release.