The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait, involving the upgrade and recertification of its PATRIOT missile systems for an estimated cost of $400 million. This decision was communicated to Congress on April 3, 2025, by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Kuwait has requested to enhance its PATRIOT PAC-2 Guidance Enhancement Missiles (GEM) and recertify its PATRIOT Guidance Enhancement Missiles-Tactical (GEM-T). The deal also includes various non-MDE items such as maintenance, special tools, testing equipment, repair parts, modification kits, and training. In addition, the sale encompasses support from field service representatives, technicians, and mechanics, as well as logistics and program management services.
The sale aims to assist Kuwait in maintaining operational readiness and strengthening its defense capabilities in the face of future threats. The equipment upgrade is part of Kuwait's broader modernization efforts, which are aligned with its security objectives.
While the sale will enhance Kuwait's defense capabilities, it is not expected to alter the military balance in the region. The principal contractor for this transaction will be RTX Corporation, based in Letterkenny, Pennsylvania.
Implementation of the sale will involve U.S. representatives traveling to Kuwait for maintenance and operational support over a period of 15 to 20 years. However, the U.S. Government has stated that this deal will not affect its own defense readiness.
The total cost of the sale is an estimate, with final amounts subject to the specific requirements and agreements made between the parties involved.
