US approves a $420 mn FMS from Kuwait for F/18-C/D support

a
World Defense & Security News - Kuwait
 
 
US approves a $420 mn FMS from Kuwait for F/A-18 C/D support
 
The United States State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for F/A-18 C/D services and support for an estimated cost of $420 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on May 26, 2016.
     
US approves a 420 mn FMS from Kuwait forFA 18 C D support 640 001Two KAF F/A-18C Hornet fighter jets
(Source: Internet)
     
The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale of the following Non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE): continuation of contractor engineering technical services, contractor maintenance services, Hush House (an enclosed, noise-suppressed aircraft jet engine testing facility) support services, and Liaison Office Support for the Government of Kuwait F/A-18 C/D program. This will include F/A-18 avionics software upgrades, engine component improvements, ground support equipment, engine and aircraft spares and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, Engineering Change Proposals (ECP), U.S. Government and contractor programmatic, financial, and logistics support. Also included are: maintenance and engineering support, F404 engine and engine test cell support, and Liaison Office support for five Kuwait Liaison Offices. There is no MDE associated with this possible sale. The total overall estimated value is $420 million.

"The proposed sale of support services will enable the Kuwait Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its F/A-18 C/D aircraft.This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. Kuwait plays a large role in U.S. efforts to advance stability in the Middle East, providing basing, access, and transit for U.S. forces in the region," the DSCA said.

The principal contractors will be Kay and Associates Incorporated in Buffalo Grove, Illinois; The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri; Industrial Acoustics Corporation in Winchester, England; General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts; and Sigmatech in Huntsville, Alabama.

Kuwait Air Force currently operates a fleet of 27 F/A-18C and 7 F/A-18D fighter jets.