Kuwait Seeks $1.42 Billion Patriot PAC-3 Missile Systems to Protect Oil and Gas Infrastructure

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of 84 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancements (MSEs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $800 million.

Patriot PAC-3 MSEs will supplement and improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its critical oil and natural gas infrastructure, a US DoD release said.

In addition, the US State department approved a Government of Kuwait request to buy a Patriot missile Repair and Return program. Included are Patriot GEM-T missile and missile components repair services, worth $200 million.

Besides, the Government of Kuwait has requested to buy Patriot program sustainment and technical assistance as follow-on support. Included are PAC-3 Field Surveillance Program (FSP) services, country unique Patriot PAC-3 Missile Support Center (P3MSC) costing $425 million.

Kuwait will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland air defense. The acquisition of these missiles will allow for integration with U.S. forces for training exercises, which contributes to regional security and interoperability. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Thursday.