The US State Department gave its green light for Kuwait’s upgrade of Patriot missile systems that has a potential estimated value of of $1,42 billion.
At $800 million, Kuwait’s acquisition of 84 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missile segment enhancements (MSEs) is the most expensive of the three tickets approved on Thursday by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
“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,” the DSCA said in a relase.
“The acquisition of these missiles will allow for integration with US 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 PAC-3 missile segment upgrade consists of a hit-to-kill interceptor, the PAC-3 missile canisters (in four packs), a fire solution computer and an enhanced launcher electronics system. US defense contractor Lockheed Martin was recently awarded a $6 billion contract for MSE upgrades.
The DSCA approval does not mean a sale has been concluded, but that the customer, and contractors, can start negotiations.
The other two approved acquisitions are a $200 million repair and return program and $425 million PAC-3 follow-on support.
The repair and return program includes Patriot GEM-T missile and missile components repair services, transportation, repair parts, technical data, publications and training equipment, among other items. The follow-on support is based on the PAC-3 field surveillance program services, including storage and aging, surveillance firing, stockpile reliability, shared and country unique Patriot PAC-3 Missile Support Center (P3MSC) support, among other things.
