U.S. State Dept. approves $194 million radar sale to Kuwait

The U.S. State Department has approved a proposed $194 million radar sale to Kuwait, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday.

The sale would involve radar field systems and related equipment, training and support, the agency said in a statement.

Included in the deal would be six short-range radars, also known as gap filler radars, one long-range radar with primary and secondary surveillance radar arrays, upgrades to the existing AN/FPS 117 (V) 3 long-range radar, upgrades to airfield radome and communications systems, an upgrade to secure identification friend or foe systems, site surveys, installation and checkout, site acceptance testing, interim contractor support, construction, contractor logistics support, spares, support equipment and training.

Kuwait seeks the sale to improve early warning, enhance internal and external security and protect national sovereignty. The systems would provide situational awareness for Kuwaiti security forces to detect and interdict fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft while providing coverage for the country's northern and eastern borders.

The prime contractor will be determined by competition between Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon.