Boeing to train Kuwaiti fighter pilots in contract worth $70 million

KUWAIT CITY, March 7: The US Air Force has awarded a contract valued at $70 million to Boeing for the provision of critical general logistics support for Kuwaiti pilots on the F/A-18E/F fighter jet, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The deal supports the entry of F/A18E/F into Kuwait Armed Forces as a strike fighter designed for traditional strike operations and air support. The country previously used the aircraft for homeland defense, but it is now phasing out its fleet of Hornet F/A-18C and F/A18D aircraft.

The project includes general logistics support, logistics program management and logistics support for the aircraft during pilot training with Sniper advanced targeting pods (ATPs). It will be implemented for three years and it will help improve targeting capabilities.

According to the US Air Force, this contract will develop the ability of Kuwait to face regional threats, as well as protect its borders and major infrastructure.

The Kuwait Defense Market 2022-2027 report of Global Data revealed that the Kuwaiti government will host one of the largest US military airbases in the Middle East at a projected cost of $32 million. The construction of the new Cargo City will enable Kuwait to enhance the operational effectiveness of its military and promote security and stability throughout the country.

The 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, which lasted for almost seven months, prompted Kuwait to focus on developing a robust defense capability. Since then, the country has been using its oil and gas export revenues to fund defense procurements, the report added.

Meanwhile, the military fixed-wing market forecast of Kuwait is valued at $496 million, but is projected to reach $1 billion by 2026 as per the Global Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Market Forecast 2023-2033 of Global Data.