Facing Iran Threat, Kuwait, US Sign $425m Defense Deal
The US Department of Defense has approved a $425 million package to upgrade Kuwait’s Patriot missile defense systems, reinforcing the Gulf state’s efforts to modernize its military in a region marked by evolving aerial threats and geopolitical uncertainty.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, centers on the Patriot Post-Deployment Build 8.1 and includes software upgrades, spare parts, personnel training, and long-term technical support. It comes as Iran’s missile arsenal and the proliferation of drone attacks from proxy groups like Yemen’s Houthis continue to pose risks to Gulf states. Neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have made similar investments in Patriot or complementary systems like THAAD.
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The PDB 8.1 upgrade enhances radar sensitivity, target tracking, and integration with next-generation sensors such as the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, significantly improving the system’s capacity to intercept everything from ballistic missiles to low-flying drones. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, five to eight US government or contractor personnel will rotate through Kuwait over the next 15 to 20 years to assist with system sustainment and operations.
Since being designated a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2004, Kuwait has hosted thousands of US troops and invested heavily in American military hardware, including Apache helicopters, F/A-18 fighter jets, and previous Patriot enhancements.
