Kuwait Secures $4 Billion Deal for 8 Cutting-Edge Apache Helicopters from the U.S.
The U.S. State Department has approved a significant arms sale to Kuwait, exceeding USD 4 billion. This deal encompasses eight advanced Apache AH-64E helicopters and an upgrade for 16 older Apache models, as announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
“Kuwait has formally requested the acquisition of eight AH-64E Apache Longbow Attack Helicopters and the remanufacture of 16 AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopters to the AH-64E configuration. This includes both new helicopters and the upgrade of existing ones,” the DSCA noted in their press release. “The total projected cost stands at USD 4.0 billion.”
Additionally, another DSCA announcement highlighted the State Department’s approval for a proposed sale of spare parts for Kuwait’s enhanced Patriot missile defense system, valued at USD 200 million.
The security agency emphasized that these sales align with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests by bolstering the defense capabilities of a critical non-NATO ally, which plays a pivotal role in promoting political stability and economic development across the Middle East.
This proposed sale of spare parts for the Patriot System is expected to enhance Kuwait’s ability to address current and emerging threats, ensuring increased security for both civilian and military assets. “There will be no negative impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” they added.
The key contractors involved in the Apache agreement include notable companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, Raytheon, and Longbow. Meanwhile, Raytheon has been identified as the primary supplier for the equipment linked to the Patriot missile defense system.
In addition to Kuwait, similar weapons sales have also been authorized for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan.
