US State Department approves possible sale of Patriot air and missile system to Kuwait.

On May 28, the US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of eighty-four (84) Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancements (MSEs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $800 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale. In addition to the new interceptors, the State Department also approved repairs and upgrades to Kuwait’s existing Patriot system.

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 A PAC-3 Medium Extended Air Defense System missile is launched to intercept a target during a MEADS test at White Sands Missile Range (Picture source: US DoD)

The Phased Array Tracking to Intercept of Target (PATRIOT) Advanced Capability-Three (PAC-3) program is an air-defense, guided missile system with long-range, medium- to high-altitude, all-weather capabilities. It is designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.

The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy eighty-four (84) Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancements (MSEs) with canisters; two (2) Patriot MSE test missiles 2-Pack per unit of issue; thirty-five (35) remanufactured (upgrades): Patriot modification kit, missile launchers A902+ Series to A903 Series; twenty-six (26) PAC-3 Missile Round Trainer (MRT); and twenty-six (26) Empty Round Trainer (ERT). Also included is one (1) Flight Test Target -Zombie, PAC-3 missile spares held in Continental United States (CONUS) for repair and return, two (2) PAC-3 telemetry kits, training devices, simulators, transportation, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The total estimated program cost is $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. Kuwait will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland air defense by better meeting current and future air threats. The acquisition of these missiles will allow for integration with U.S. forces for training exercises, which contributes to regional security and interoperability.

The principal contractor involved in this program is Lockheed Martin Corporation (Grand Prairie), Dallas, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two U.S. Government and three contractor representatives to Kuwait to support delivery of the Patriot PAC-3 MSEs with Canisters and provide support and equipment familiarization.