Kuwait Asks Washington for Nearly $2 Billion in Tank Upgrades

Kuwait Asks Washington for Nearly $2 Billion in Tank Upgrades
Fri Dec 16, 2016 11:51:23

The US-based Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported that Kuwait is seeking to make $1.7 billion worth of upgrades to its aging fleet of tanks. On December 12, the US State Department notified Congress of the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to provide Kuwait capital to upgrade over 200 M1A2 Abrams tanks.

Kuwait is seeking to increase the ability of tank crews to respond to infantry threats while remaining safe within their armored vehicle; Sputnik reported.

Some of the upgrades include the Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station II, the purchase of over 1,000 night vision goggles, AN/VRC-92E SINCGARS radios, as well as thermal management and cooling systems. Included in the sale would be 480 7.62mm M240 machine guns and 240.50 caliber M2A1 machine guns, to be mounted on the vehicles.

Also requested in the wishlist are 120mm gun tubes, second-generation Forward Looking Infrared gunsights, special armor, gunner primary sights, Counter Sniper and Anti-Materiel Mount hardware, and so-called embedded diagnostics.

The DSCA stated, "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."

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