It was reported that the US State Department had given permission to the potential sale of heavy tactical vehicles and related equipment, which costs around $445 million, to Kuwait. Despite the fact that the approval was granted, the grant does not mean that a final agreement has been signed or discussions on the issue have been concluded, the report added.
Providing consultancy service regarding US national security and foreign policy matters, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reportedly informed Congress about the possible sale. In the statement issued by the DSCA, it was indicated that “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”
The approval came following Kuwait applying to purchase a total of 517 heavy tactical vehicles, including Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) and Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET).
It is also noteworthy that the approval follows the US announcement regarding the withdrawal of eight Patriot anti-missile batteries from the Middle East, including those in Kuwait.
This is the second possible sale approval that was granted by the US to Kuwait in less than a year. Last December, the State Department ratified the possible sale of Apache helicopters and replacement parts for the Patriot missile system in Kuwait in two separate contracts which cost $4.2 billion, as well.
The Biden administration has taken steps to reduce its military presence in the Middle East. In this direction, the US has started to pull out its military personnel and equipment in the region. Instead of direct involvement in the region, the US has preferred to strengthen the capacity of its allies throughout the region by providing intelligence support as well as selling necessary military equipment.
