The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor Radars for an estimated cost of $8 billion. The State Department delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy up to eight (8) Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radars; five (5) Large Tactical Power Systems; and eight (8) frequency converters (1 per tactical site and 1 per central maintenance facility; 2 spares). The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: identification, friend or foe KIV-77 encryptor; AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders; ancillary devices to support controlled cryptographic items; LTAMDS emulators (simulators); heavy expanded mobility tactical truck M983A4 light equipment transporter modified high temp kit; battery maintenance center (BMC) shelters; sets tools and test equipment; small repair parts trailer (SRPT); prime mover – BMC shelters/SRPT; fielding and follow-on support field service representative (FSR); prime mover FSR support; technical assistance field team; spares; publications; personnel training and training equipment; software development; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to Kuwait of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale will improve Kuwait’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing advanced air defense detection as part of procurement of the LTAMDS radar system and thereby enhancing its air defense capability. This enhanced capability will protect Kuwait and local allied land forces and will significantly improve Kuwait’s contribution to Integrated Air Missile Defense. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of twelve (12) U.S. Government and twelve (12) contractor representatives to Kuwait for a duration up to twenty (20) years to support maintenance and sustain operations.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
For further information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Outreach Team.
