Kuwait - M1A2K Tank Operational and Training Ammunition

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of M1A2K tank operational and training ammunition and related equipment for an estimated cost of $250 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy Cartridge M80 Ball/M62 Tracer 7.62mm 4/1 linked; Cartridge MK211 4 Armor Piercing Incendiary (APIT) .50 Cal 4/1 linked; Cartridge M903/M962 Saboted Light Armor Penetrator-Tracer (SLAP-T) .50 Cal 4/1 linked; Cartridge KE-W A1 Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T) 120mm; Cartridge, Insensitive Munition High Explosive Tracer (IM-HET) 120mm; Grenade, Screening-Smoke; containers; munitions; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $250 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve Kuwait’s ability to meet current and future regional threats by enabling continued employment of the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank and supporting modernization of the country’s tank fleet. This sale will provide an effective ability to deter and defend against land-based threats, enhancing Kuwait’s ability to protect border regions and key land-based infrastructure. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be General Dynamics, York, PA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Kuwait.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.