U.S. arms to Gulf allies hint of strategy

The largest infusion of U.S. arms ever for Persian Gulf allies has shifted more toward offensive weapons at the same time that President Obama’s military strategy says it will rely more on allied firepower in any future war.

The only war on the horizon for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and four other Gulf coalition partners would be with nearby Iran.
Noting U.S. sales of air defense-penetrating F-16s and F-15s, satellite-guided bombs and a pending order for ordnance that can burrow deep and then explode, analysts say Gulf nations could participate in a U.S. air campaign to strike Iran’s nuclear sites.
These American-armed nations could either be part of an overall war plan or be forced to enter the battle once Iran counterattacks, as expected, with missile launches.
“The thinking certainly is that Iran would retaliate against the Gulf states, or at least against the facilities in the Gulf that we use,” said Kenneth Katzman, a Middle East analyst at the Congressional Research Service. “That would certainly draw the Gulf states into any conflict that went on. The Gulf might become embroiled in this conflict, and I think they’ve calculated it’s best to be prepared.”
There has been public focus on the U.S. military buildup in the Gulf — more aircraft carriers, warplanes and strike groups studded with Tomahawk cruise missiles; more minesweeping ships; a visit by Air Force F-22 stealth jets; and thousands of Army soldiers positioned in Kuwait.
But just as methodically, the George W. Bush and Obama administrations have approved a series of large arms sales that are giving some oil-rich Gulf states offensive capabilities that would make Iran think twice about an attack.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta underscored the alliance Dec. 11 when he landed in Kuwait, a staunch Gulf ally, for consultations. He also spoke to some of the 13,500 U.S. troops stationed there.
“Our presence in Kuwait and throughout the Gulf helps advance the capabilities of partnering nations, deters aggression and helps ensure we’re better able to respond to crisis in the region,” Mr. Panetta told reporters beforehand.
At a Kuwait air base, he said America has 50,000 troops and an armada of warships in the region.

British industry in line for £1bn boost from Kuwait

Britain's security industry is in store for a potential £1bn boost as a result of a government-to-government agreement between the UK and Kuwait.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was working with the Kuwaiti government to enhance Kuwait’s homeland security.

Under the agreement, the British Government would manage the project and award contracts to British companies on Kuwait’s behalf.

It is understood the partnership would be worth around £100m to £150m every year for the next seven years to the UK.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said that a letter of “mutual intent” had been signed by Britain and Kuwait on Thursday, allowing negotiations on the government-to-government deal to go ahead.

“Securing the agreement would represent a significant opportunity for UK industry. In addition to the value of the Kuwait Security Programme, there will be considerable associated investment, and the prospect for further commercial growth,” the spokesman said.

The security programme would be run by a branch of the Foreign Office called FCO Services, and would address a range of both physical and virtual threats to Kuwait.

U.S., Gulf countries seek to advance missile defense plan

The United States and its Gulf partners are looking to deepen cooperation on missile defense as tensions rise with Iran, and announcements could come soon on new purchases, U.S. officials said on Friday.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials in New York as Washington seeks to boost regional defenses against perceived Iranian threats.
"Our aim is to help our Gulf partners with their defense needs ... there is a missile threat that they face, we want to help them face that threat as best they can," one senior U.S. official said, previewing the meeting for reporters.
"We've had expressions of interest from our partners in the Gulf in additional missile defense capabilities," the official said. "We hope that we will be having announcements in the near future regarding those expressions of interest."
The official declined to provide specifics on the plans with the GCC, a political and economic alliance linking Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.
But Lockheed Martin Corp, the Pentagon's top supplier by sales, received an initial $1.96 billion contract in December for two of its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon systems for the United Arab Emirates, the first foreign sale of the system.
Lockheed has said other GCC members, including Saudi Arabia, have expressed interest. Other leading missile-defense contractors include Boeing Co, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman Corp.
Friday's talks reflect the increased tempo of U.S. efforts to put pressure on Tehran, which the United States and its allies say is seeking nuclear weapons capability under the cover of a civil program. Iran denies this, but has been hit with a series of international sanctions over its nuclear work.
SECURITY UMBRELLA

US plans to sell $4.2-b Patriot missiles to Kuwait

The Pentagon has said it planned to sell 60 Patriot missiles to Kuwait in a deal worth an estimated $4.2 billion, as the emirate tries to bolster its defences against the threat from Iran.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which is in charge of US weapon sales to foreign countries, notified the US Congress of the intended sale on July 20, the agency said in a statement on its Website yesterday.

Congress has 30 days to raise any objections it may have. If nothing is said, the contract is deemed valid after that waiting period.

The deal involves the sale of 60 Patriot advanced capability (PAC-3) missiles, 20 launching stations, four radar systems and control stations, personnel training and training equipment, and spare parts, the DSCA said.

“Kuwait will use the PAC-3 missiles and equipment to improve its missile defence capability, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats,” the agency said.

Looks Now Kill In Kuwait

Kuwait has ordered 43 JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System). These cost $1.2 million each, which includes additional equipment to be installed in the cockpit, training and technical support. The actual helmet costs less than $100,000, but contractor personnel have to be brought in to maintain the helmets and make simple repairs. This use of foreign personnel is common in the Gulf Arab nations, where the locals prefer to bring in outsiders to run the economy, as well as many support jobs in the military and government. This is expensive, creates a high unemployment rate among the natives. But that's what the locals prefer, and as long as the oil flows that's how it will be.

The JHMCS allows a pilot to see critical flight and navigation information displayed on his visor. Sort of like a see-through computer monitor or Head Up Display. Most importantly, the pilot can turn their head towards a target, get an enemy aircraft into the crosshairs displayed on the visor, and fire a missile that will promptly go after target the pilot was looking at. There is an additional advantage in letting the pilot look around more often without having to look down at cockpit displays, or straight ahead at a HUD (Head Up Display.) This kind of freedom gives an experienced pilot an extra edge in finding enemy aircraft or targets, and maneuvering to get into a better position for attacks. JHMCS is also useful for air to ground attacks.

Systems like JHMCS have been around for over a decade, but JHMCS is lighter and easier to wear (weight was a major problem in the past), easier to use and more reliable (if you don't bump into the canopy). The Israelis firm Elbit took the lead in developing this technology, and made many technical breakthroughs with their earlier DASH (Display and Sight Helmet) system. Elbit teamed up with American firms to develop and market JHMCS, which is largely an improved DASH system.

Kuwait Seeks Follow-On Logistics and Technical Support for AH-64D Fleet

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress July 10 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Kuwait for continuing logistics support, training, depot-level repair services and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $200 million.

The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale for continuing logistics support, training, depot-level repair services, and technical services in support of AH-64D APACHE helicopters, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated cost is $200 million.

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 proposed sale of logistics and technical support will enable the Kuwaiti Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its APACHE helicopters. The follow-on support will allow Kuwait to maintain aircraft availability/operational rates, and enhance interoperability with the U.S. and other nations.

Kuwait - AGM-114R3 HELLFIRE Missiles

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress June 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government Kuwait of 300 AGM-114R3 HELLFIRE II missiles and associated equipment and support. The estimated cost is $49 million.

The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale 300 AGM-114R3 HELLFIRE II missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, repair and return support, training equipment and personnel training, U.S. Government and contractor logistics, Quality Assurance Team support services, engineering and technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $49 million.

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 intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing Air Force architecture to counter threats posed by potential attack. This proposed sale will also contribute to Kuwait’s military goal of updating its capability while further enhancing its interoperability with the U.S. and other allies. This capability will serve to deter potential attacks against strategic targets across Kuwait, to include infrastructure and resources vital to the security of the U.S.

The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Kuwait - Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress June 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government Kuwait of 43 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System Cockpit Units and associated equipment and support. The estimated cost is $51 million.

The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale of 43 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System Cockpit Units, Single Seat Electronic Units, Helmet Display Units, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tool and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated cost is $51 million.

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 Government of Kuwait is modernizing its fighter aircraft fleet to better support its own air defense needs. This proposed sale will contribute to Kuwait’s military goal of updating its capability while further enhancing its interoperability with the U.S. and other allies. The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Kuwait extends DCI maintenance award

The Kuwaiti air force has extended a helicopter maintenance contract to DCI, the French company created to assist military sales abroad.
 
The contract extension is for three years. The monetary value of the award wasn't disclosed.
 
In addition to maintaining Kuwaiti air force helicopters in the past, DCI- COFRAS, the army and gendarmerie department of DCI, has operated the Kuwait army's light aviation school and maintain its 28 French-made aircraft.
 
"The trust relationship established between the state of Kuwait and DCI-COFRAS teams has allowed this contract to be established," said Lt. Gen. Xavier de Zuchowicz, the executive vice president of DCI-COFRAS.
 
"The Kuwaiti air force regularly underlines DCI-COFRAS teams' technical skills deployed, commitment to the notion of service and constant availability in these operations demanding extreme professional rigor."
 
The French government is a shareholder in DCI, which was founded in 1972 and which, among other services, provides operational training courses based on the knowledge of the French military services.