Kuwait has requested a possible $1.36 billion sale of 80 PAC-3 missiles, PAC-2 missile upgrades to GEM (Guidance Enhanced Missile)-T, and Patriot ground support equipment upgrades as well as associated equipment and services, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported.

Along with the PAC-3 missiles, Kuwait is looking to buy Patriot GEM-T Modification Kits to upgrade 60 PAC-2 missiles, six Patriot System Configuration 3 Modification kits to upgrade Patriot Radars to Patriot Radar Enhancement Phase III (REP III), communication support equipment, tools and test equipment, system integration and checkout, installation, personnel training, containers, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, U.S. government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of program support, DSCA said.

Raytheon [RTN] is the prime contractor, DSCA said, as is Lockheed Martin [LMT].

The proposed sale and upgrade will bring Kuwait’s assets in line with U.S. Patriot assets, and ensure Kuwait maintains the ability to protect its borders. Kuwait needs this Air Defense System to develop an organic capability that will be responsive to hostile aircraft or missile threats upon its sovereign territory. The Patriot Air Defense System will go far in improving a current operational deficiency revealed during the Gulf War.

Kuwait, which already has the Patriot system and PAC-2 missiles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional weapon systems into its Armed Forces, according to DSCA.

It is anticipated that upon implementation of this proposed sale, two U.S. government representatives and 25 contractor personnel will be assigned to Kuwait for a period of 3-5 years.