Client Force Profile

Kuwait Armed Forces

Al-Quwwat Al-Musallaḥa Al-Kuwaytiyya · State of Kuwait · Est. 1961

The Kuwait Armed Forces comprise the Kuwait Army, Kuwait Air Force (KAF), and Kuwait Naval Force (KNF). One of the most heavily equipped militaries per capita in the Gulf, Kuwait maintains a predominantly US-origin inventory supplemented by a landmark Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition — creating a unique dual-Western-fleet logistics challenge. With an $8.2B defence budget representing approximately 5.6% of GDP, Kuwait is among the highest defence spenders in the GCC and a significant procurer through US FMS and direct commercial channels.

Key Metrics

~17,500

Total Active Personnel

All branches combined

11,000

Army Personnel

Kuwait Army

2,500

Air Force Personnel

Kuwait Air Force (KAF)

2,000

Naval Personnel

Kuwait Naval Force (KNF)

$8.2B

Defence Budget

FY 2024 (est.)

~5.6%

GDP on Defence

2024 estimate

Sources: IISS Military Balance 2024; Kuwait Ministry of Finance; SIPRI Military Expenditure Database 2024; US DSCA FMS notifications; UK DSEI procurement records.

Air Force — Aircraft Inventory

Platform / System	Role	Qty (est.)	Origin
F/A-18C/D Hornet	Multi-role fighter	31	USA
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (on order)	Multi-role fighter (replacement)	28	USA
Eurofighter Typhoon (on order)	Air superiority / strike	28	UK / Eurofighter consortium
AH-64D Apache Longbow	Attack helicopter	16	USA
UH-60M Black Hawk	Utility helicopter	6	USA
C-17A Globemaster III	Strategic airlift	2	USA
C-130J-30 Super Hercules	Tactical transport	4	USA

Army — Key Land Systems

Platform / System	Role	Qty (est.)	Origin
M1A2 Abrams (SEP)	Main battle tank	218	USA
M2A2 Bradley	Infantry fighting vehicle	254	USA
M113A3	Armoured personnel carrier	~200	USA
M109A6 Paladin	155mm self-propelled howitzer	18	USA
BM-21 Grad	122mm multiple rocket launcher	27	Russia
Patriot PAC-3	Air defence missile system	2 btys	USA

Kuwait Naval Force — Principal Vessels

Platform / System	Role	Qty (est.)	Origin
Um Almaradim-class (FPB-57)	Fast missile boat	8	Germany (Lürssen)
Istiqlal (ex-TNC-45)	Fast attack craft	2	Germany (Lürssen)
Al Sanbouk-class	Coastal patrol craft	4	Kuwait (locally built)
LCU-type landing craft	Amphibious logistics	3	Various

Active Modernisation Programmes

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F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

28 Super Hornets contracted under US FMS (2016); deliveries ongoing through 2026 to replace ageing F/A-18C/D fleet.

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Eurofighter Typhoon

28 Typhoons contracted with UK/Eurofighter consortium (2016 Tranche 3); deliveries from 2026 alongside Super Hornets, creating a mixed-fleet challenge for parts and logistics.

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Patriot PAC-3 MSE Upgrade

Upgrade of existing PAC-2 batteries to PAC-3 MSE standard under US FMS; enhances ballistic missile defence capability.

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M1A2 SEPv3 Upgrade

Kuwait evaluating SEPv3 upgrade for existing M1A2 fleet; includes Trophy APS integration and improved C4ISR.

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Naval Patrol Vessel Replacement

KNF evaluating next-generation OPV/corvette to replace ageing Lürssen FPB-57 fleet; US and European shipyards shortlisted.

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C4ISR & Link 16 Integration

Kuwait integrating Link 16 datalink across air and ground platforms to enhance interoperability with US and GCC coalition forces.

SORC Engagement

SORC supports the Kuwait Armed Forces with NATO Stock Number (NSN) parts sourcing across its mixed US and European fleet, US FMS/DCS and UK SIEL/OIEL export licensing compliance, and procurement advisory for ITAR-controlled platforms including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and AH-64D Apache. Kuwait's concurrent Super Hornet and Eurofighter programmes create complex dual-fleet logistics requirements that SORC is positioned to address through its transatlantic sourcing network.

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