U.S. Plans to Sell 209 Patriot Missiles to Kuwait

The Pentagon on Aug. 11 said it had notified Congress of a planned sale of Patriot missiles to Kuwait, which is looking to bolster its defenses against the threat from Iran.

"Kuwait needs these missiles to meet current and future threats of enemy air-to-ground weapons," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

The proposed sale, valued at $900 million, would "contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the statement said.

DSCA said it notified Congress on Aug. 10 of the possible transfer of 209 MIM-104E Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-T Missiles.

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the statement said.