finance
Kuwait Requests $1.98 Billion Counter-Drone Systems From U.S.
Kuwait has requested U.S.-made Roadrunner-Munition and Anvil-Kinetic systems valued at $1.98 billion to strengthen its air defenses. The request follows repeated drone and missile attacks on Kuwaiti territory since April.
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Kuwait requested counter-unmanned aerial systems from the United States in a deal valued at $1.98 billion. The State Department announced the request on Friday. The systems include Roadrunner-Munition and Anvil-Kinetic platforms developed by Anduril Industries, along with supporting equipment and training. Kuwait already operates Patriot PAC-3 missiles and Skyguard gun-missile systems.
Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Ali Al Salem Air Base in late May. Satellite imagery showed damage at the base, and two MQ-9 Reaper drones were destroyed. A drone attack on Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday killed one person and injured 63 others. Earlier attacks in late April struck border posts with drones launched from Iraq.
Kuwait operates MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3 missiles that have intercepted incoming ballistic missiles. Kuwait also maintains F/A-18 Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for air defense. Roadrunner-Munition is a jet-powered interceptor that can be recovered and reused if not consumed in an engagement. Anvil-Kinetic is a quadcopter designed to ram enemy drones at speeds up to 200 miles per hour.
