Kuwait

US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, On 17 November 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait of 12 MKV-C Fast Interceptor Boats as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $175 million. 
 
The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale of 12 MKV-C Fast Interceptor Boats including installed Hull, Mechanical and Electrical systems, 12 RWM GMBH MLG-27mm Mauser Lightweight Gun Systems, communications, technical ground support equipment, spare and repair parts, supply support, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services and other related elements of program support. 
 
The estimated cost is $175 million. 
 
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. 
 
The Kuwaiti Navy does not have a modern, high speed, intruder interceptor boat capable of providing defensive protection for Kuwaiti territorial waters. The territorial waters extend from Khor Shitiyanah at the extreme north along Warba Island south to Umm Al-Maradem Island near its border with Saudi Arabia. Included are all Kuwaiti waters along the Khor Abdullah waterway and around Failaka Island in the North Arabian Gulf, the approaches to the Al-Kuwait Bay and Ash Shuaibah Prot in central Kuwait, and the approaches to Mohamad Al-Ahmed (Kuwait) Naval Base south to the northern territorial limit of Saudi Arabia. This area includes numerous islands and offshore oil pumping and loading facilities. The proposed sale will provide the Kuwaiti Navy the ability to defend these waters and the key facilities located in the area. 
 
The MKV Fast Interceptor Boat is a design to specification high speed (40+ kts), 10.6 meter patrol boat similar to those used by U.S. Navy SEALs. Its hull design is based on an existing MKV design manufactured by one of the prospective prime contractors, VT Halter Marine of Gulfport Mississippi. 
 
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. 
 
The prime contractor will be either: VT Halter-Marine of Gulfport, Mississippi or U.S. Marine of New Orleans, Louisiana. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. 
 
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the 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. 
 
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.