The U.S. State Department on Thursday approved a potential sale of heavy tactical vehicles to Kuwait for $445 million.
In its announcement, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sale was approved because the ally “is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”
In addition to the 517 vehicles, Kuwait could also buy Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks and Heavy Equipment Transporters, among related related and support equipment.
The notice specified that the Government of Kuwait has requested to buy also 31 HEMTT Wrecker Trucks (M984A4 ten-ton with crane and winch); 100 HEMTT Fuel Tanker Trucks (M978A4, ten-ton, 2,500 gallon); 188 Guided Missile Transporter Trucks (M985A4, ten-ton with winch); 50 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Trucks (M1070A1); 50 635NL Commercial Trailers for use with HET prime movers; 49 Palletized Load System (PLS) Trailers (M1076A0); PLS Flat Rack (M1077 with sides); elements of logistical, contract, and other support services including spare parts, special tools and test equipment.
“Kuwait will use these heavy vehicles to transport and support heavy equipment, including their legacy M1A2 tanks and their new M1A2K main battle tank slated for delivery in 2021,” the announcement read.
The prime contractor for this potential deal would be Oshkosh Defense.
DSCA notifications do not serve as guarantees that sales will happen. Once the sale is also approved by Congress, the foreign customer can negotiate on price and quantity, both of which can change.