The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait for its purchase of and Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $2.5 billion.
The Government of Kuwait has requested to purchase six (6) dismounted Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) Engagement Operations Centers (EOC); two (2) hosted IBCS EOCs; six (6) dismounted IBCS integrated collaborative environments (ICE); two (2) hosted IBCS ICEs; fourteen (14) mounted IBCS integrated fire unit modification kits; thirty-five (35) launcher integrated network kits on enhanced launcher electronic system kits; and twenty-four (24) KIV 77 or 79 identification, friend or foe encryptors.
The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: communications equipment; tools and test equipment; support equipment; generators; vehicles; transportation; publications and technical documentation; training equipment including the air defense reconfigurable trainer; spare and repair parts; personnel training; technical assistance field team; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and services, IBCS Phase 2 planning, engineering, and logistics support services; systems integration and checkout; transportation; field office support; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to Kuwait of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving 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 capability to meet current and future threats by providing advanced air defense detection as part of the procurement of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense sensor radar system combined with the integration of the IBCS as the command and control and thereby providing a layered defense capability. This enhanced capability will protect Kuwait and local allied land forces and will significantly improve Kuwait’s contribution to Integrated Air Missile Defense. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its Armed Forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Northrop Grumman, located in Falls Church, Virginia; RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, Virginia; and Lockheed-Martin, located in Dallas, Texas. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require permanent 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.
Source: U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; File Photo: The Engagement Operation Center (EOC) is the primary data process and communication component of IBCS © U.S. Army
