The US and Kuwait have agreed to deepen military cooperation and integration, with a focus on countering drones, strengthening air and missile defenses and expanding maritime security cooperation, the Pentagon said on Friday.
– Senior officials from both countries met at the Pentagon this week for the 16th US-Kuwait Joint Military Commission, where they formalized new operational roadmaps to strengthen Kuwait’s defense capabilities and interoperability with US forces.
– The talks were co-chaired by the Pentagon’s top official for the Middle East, Mike DiMino, and Kuwait’s Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Khaled al-Shriaan. Officials from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Joint Staff, State Department and Maryland National Guard also participated.
– The proliferation of drones and unmanned aircraft systems featured prominently in the discussions, with officials highlighting how the technology has transformed modern warfare and increased the need for greater military integration.
– Earlier this year, Washington announced its approval of a $1.98 billion arms sale to Kuwait, one of the several Gulf countries hit by Iranian strikes during the Middle East war.
– The sale would allow Kuwait to buy counter-drone technology from defense company Anduril.
– During this week’s talks, the US and Kuwait also discussed improving regional integrated air and missile defenses, expanding maritime security cooperation and streamlining US arms transfers to Kuwait.
– Separately, DiMino announced that Kuwait had formally joined the US State Partnership Program and will be paired with the Maryland National Guard, providing another avenue for long-term military-to-military cooperation.
– Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of the United States and hosts thousands of US troops, making the Gulf country a key component of Washington’s regional military posture.