Kuwait has advanced the modernization of its air defense by confirming the purchase of NASAMS systems in a contract valued at around US$ 1 billion with Raytheon.
The agreement, signed through the United States Foreign Military Sales program, provides for the delivery of system units by 2031 and reinforces growing concern among Gulf countries over rising regional tensions.
Developed in partnership between Raytheon and Norway’s Kongsberg, NASAMS is considered one of the most efficient air defense systems currently available. The platform is capable of intercepting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles using different types of interceptors, including AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles adapted for ground launch. According to the manufacturer, the system has already achieved a 94% interception rate in real combat operations.
The acquisition is part of a broader plan approved by the United States back in 2022, when Washington authorized a possible sale of up to US$ 3 billion in NASAMS-related equipment to Kuwait. The country is seeking to expand its air protection amid increasing threats in the Persian Gulf, especially after the intensification of regional conflicts and the growing use of low-cost drones and cruise missiles in confrontations across the Middle East.
In addition to strengthening Kuwait’s defense, the contract also highlights the global increase in demand for modern anti-aircraft systems. To accelerate production, Raytheon said it has been expanding large-scale component purchases and increasing its industrial capacity. NASAMS is expected to operate alongside the Patriot batteries already used by Kuwait, creating a layered defense structure better prepared to face modern aerial threats.
📰#NEWS: In partnership with Kuwait and the U.S. Government, Raytheon is scaling NASAMS production for Kuwait’s medium-range air defense by advancing manufacturing efforts and leveraging large-scale material buys to accelerate delivery and improve affordability. pic.twitter.com/7u7wCIeUvy
— RTX (@RTX_News) May 26, 2026
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: Raytheon / RTX | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
