Kuwait Receives Initial Approval to Buy Fast Patrol Boats

February 21, 2018 12:12 PM
Kuwait Patrol Boat in 2015

A $100 million deal sending 15 fast patrol boats to Kuwait received U.S. Department of State approval, marking an important step toward upgrading Middle East partner nation’s security, according to a Tuesday release.

Kuwait intends to use the boats to patrol its shore area, during interdiction activities, and providing maritime protection. Kuwait requested the deal include outfitting each boat with a pair of .50 caliber machine guns, and six spare machine guns, according to a release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). Kvichak Marine Industries in Kent. Wash. will be the prime contractor.

The proposed sale will help Kuwait as it plays a key role in U.S. efforts to stabilize the Middle East by providing basing, access, and transit of U.S. forces in the region, according to the DSCA release.

The sale is not final until it receives Congressional approval. U.S. government and contractor employees will provide training and maintenance support for two years, according to DSCA.

Ben Werner

Ben Werner

Ben Werner is a staff writer for USNI News. He has worked as a freelance writer in Busan, South Korea, and as a staff writer covering education and publicly traded companies for The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, Va., The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C., Savannah Morning News in Savannah, Ga., and Baltimore Business Journal. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from New York University.

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