US Approves Potential Sale of Drone Defense Systems to Kuwait Worth $1.98 Billion

The US Department of State announced on Friday its approval of a potential sale of anti-drone system platforms and related equipment to Kuwait valued at $1.98 billion.

According to a statement from the State Department, the deal will include defense equipment such as Roadrunner Munition and Anvil-Kinetic anti-drone systems, a long-range fire control tower, a mobile Long-Range Surveillance Tower-82, extended-range surveillance towers, maritime surveillance towers, and pulsed electromagnetic warfare systems. The package also covers tactical threat operations centers, generators, shelters, personnel training, software development, and engineering, technical, and logistical support services for the US government and contractors, along with other related logistical and program support elements.

The US State Department indicated that this proposed sale "will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a key non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."

The department also confirmed approval of a potential sale to Kuwait estimated at $8 billion, which includes eight LTAMDS radars for air and missile defense.

The State Department added that the proposed deal "will strengthen Kuwait’s ability to address current and future threats by providing electronic and kinetic capabilities to neutralize drone systems," noting that Kuwait will face no difficulty integrating this equipment and services into its military police forces.

The US State Department assessed that the proposed sale of these systems and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. It identified Anduril, based in Costa Mesa, California, as the prime contractor for the deal.

The statement concluded that "there will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale."