Kuwait – Aerostat Radar System

On 11 October, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait of an Aerostat Radar System as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $131 million.

The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale to replace its Aerostat radar system with the Aerostat balloon/radar system comprised of the 71M Low Altitude Surveillance System (LASS) Balloon with a non-MDE version of the AN/TPS-63 radar. Also included in the proposed sale are: Interim AN/TPS-63 radar components, spare LASS balloon, AN/TPS-63 radar component (Tether Up), miscellaneous commercial vehicles, spare and repair parts, supply support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $131 million.

The Aerostat system is defensive in nature and will be used as part of Kuwait’s early warning system to monitor ground traffic and low-flying aircraft along its borders. The Aerostat is a relatively low technology, fixed site system that Kuwait can easily absorb and utilize within its existing structure. Regional foreign policy and military developments affecting this proposed sale have been carefully considered and the positive features of having a friendly coalition force in the region are a driving force.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be: TCOM in Columbia, Maryland and Northrop Grumman in Baltimore, Maryland. One or more proposed offset agreements may be related to this proposal.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 13 contractor representatives to perform Operation and Maintenance in Kuwait for up to 3 years after delivery.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.