Deal Valued at $259 Million
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of approval for a possible Foreign Military Sale of four KING AIR 350ER Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to Kuwait, at an estimated cost of $259 million.
The Gulf state has requested four of the aircraft with enhanced PT6A-67A engines (plus one spare engine); four AN/AAQ-35 L3 Wescam MX-15HDi electro-optical/infrared sensor turrets; 4 Leonardo SEASPRAY 7500E AESA radars; AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems; AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispenser systems, secure communications and crypto; precision navigation and IFF equipment; and a wide range of support ranging from spares and repairs to simulation and training. One of the aircraft is to be modified for the VIP/VVIP transport, medevac or C2 roles.
The proposed sale will enable Kuwait to gather its own airborne ISR data, DSCA stated, and will improve the nation’s situational awareness capability as well as enhancing its potential for burden sharing. These aircraft will be Kuwait’s first dedicated airborne ISR assets and their acquisition is a priority for both nations. The principal contractor will be Sierra Nevada Corporation in Hagesrtown, MD.
