Kuwait eyes $200m Apache helicopter services deal

Kuwait has expressed interest in a proposed US$200m defence deal with the US, which includes logistics support and services for AH-64D Apache helicopters.

“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 which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the US Department of Defence said in a statement.

“The proposed sale of logistics and technical support will enable the Kuwaiti Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its Apache helicopters… The proposed sale of this support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the statement added.

The principal contractors are expected to be Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Longbow Limited Liability.

The news comes days after it was announced Qatar had expressed interest in buying 24 AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters and 700 Hellfire missiles from the US in a potential deal worth more than US$3bn.