The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible foreign military sale to upgrade Kuwait’s Patriot missiles and supply related equipment and support services. Valued an estimated $400 million, the request involves the upgrade and recertification for the Patriot PAC-2 Guidance Enhancement Missiles and recertification for the Patriot Guidance Enhancement Missiles-Tactical.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the potential sale’s items and services will be absorbed by Kuwait’s armed forces. It said the FMS supports the U.S.’ foreign policy and national security goals and improves the security of a NATO ally while contributing to the Middle East’s political stability and economic growth. DSCA added that the basic military balance in the Middle East and U.S. defense readiness will not be affected by the sale.
Capabilities and Support Elements
PAC-2 GEMs are interceptors designed with high-explosive blast fragmentation warheads to combat cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, aircraft and other airborne threats. A PAC-2 variant, GEM-T is geared with seeker sensitivity for detecting low radar signature targets and provides detonation better than its predecessors.
Kuwait also requested non-major defense equipment including special and common tools, repair parts and replacement materials, and test and modification kits. The planned sale will include logistics and program support personnel, such as field service representatives, technicians and mechanics.
Contractor and Maintenance Support
RTX in Letterkenny, Pennsylvania, will be the principal contractor for the FMS. To implement the proposed sale, an additional five to eight U.S. government or U.S. contractor representatives will be required to provide maintenance support periodically over a period of 15 to 20 years.
RTX subsidiary Raytheon also booked an order in January of a Patriot air and missile defense system fire unit and associated equipment to the Netherlands. The $529 million contract was a replenishment to the unit that the country donated to Ukraine.