The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the state of Kuwait has inked a KD 6.68 million (approximately USD 21.4 million) contract with Italy’s Leonardo Aerospace, Defense, and Security firm to enhance the air navigation system at Kuwait International Airport.
The contract encompasses the installation of two state-of-the-art radar systems, as reported by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). This marks not the first airport-related initiative for the Italian enterprise, which has operated in Kuwait since 2010.
Leonardo’s initial two projects in Kuwait focused on upgrading the airport; in 2013, the firm installed intricate hardware and software systems for managing data flow between various airport systems. Additionally, it set up a primary radar for air traffic regulation in 2010, according to Kuwait Times.
Leonardo has also contributed to the new T4 terminal, having provided the baggage handling system, which has been functioning since 2018. Deputy DGCA Director for planning and projects, Saad Al-Otaibi, informed KUNA that the new radar system is expected to enhance and streamline air navigation processes at Kuwait International Airport.
The contract, executed by DGCA Director General Emad Al-Juluwi and representatives of Leonardo, encompasses the design, production, importation, and operation of the new radar systems. Training, maintenance, and technical assistance services were also incorporated into the contract, stated Otaibi.
Leonardo, an Italian multinational corporation, stands as one of the leading defense contractors globally. It is partially owned by the Italian government, which possesses 30.2% of the company’s shares, making it the principal shareholder.
With operations in 118 nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, the company’s Kuwaiti branch, established in 2014, is among the first foreign-owned enterprises in the country, as detailed on Leonardo’s website. The company was formed through a partnership with the National Offset Company, initiated in 2007 to facilitate foreign companies entering partnerships with Kuwait’s private sector, and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, a governmental body endorsing direct investments in the nation.
Leonardo’s ventures in Kuwait include supplying the Ministry of Defense with 28 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, a deal valued at $8.7 billion. The last batch of Eurofighter jets is anticipated to be delivered by Leonardo in 2024, as per local media reports.
