New steps in strategic defense cooperation between Kuwait and the United States were discussed at the annual Joint Military Committee meeting held at the Pentagon. The meeting was co-chaired by Kuwait's Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Khaled Darac Saad al-Shureyan, and Michael DiMino, the US Deputy Secretary of War for Middle East and Central Asia.
A series of workshops was held as part of the meeting on joint work with the Kuwaiti military in maintenance and training. A memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership between Kuwait and the Maryland National Guard was also signed.
In addition to al-Shureyan, a delegation of senior Kuwaiti military officers attended the meeting. The discussions focused on regional security threats, strengthening Kuwait's defense capabilities against common threats, and enhancing the interoperability of military units.
Maritime security and air defense
The delegations discussed expanding cooperation in maritime security and developing regional integrated air and missile defense architectures. They also assessed the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicle systems in conflicts and the need to deepen defense integration.
Pending $1.98 billion procurement transaction
The US Department of Defense announced that Kuwait had pledged to increase its investments in its defense capabilities and the US defense industry. The department said a $1.98 billion transaction for the procurement of counter-small unmanned aerial vehicle systems produced by Anduril remained pending under Kuwait's broader foreign military sales plan.
The meeting also addressed the US administration's "America First Arms Transfer Strategy," efforts to streamline foreign military sales processes, and the acceleration of the modernization of Kuwait's armed forces.
State Partnership Program
DiMino formally announced that Kuwait had been admitted to the US Department of State's State Partnership Program and paired with the Maryland National Guard.
