US clears nearly $2 billion Anduril counter-drone sale to Kuwait after Iranian airport strike
The State Department's $1.98 billion approval puts Anduril's electronic and kinetic drone defenses in the Gulf days after an Iranian drone hit Kuwait's main airport.
The State Department's $1.98 billion approval puts Anduril's electronic and kinetic drone defenses in the Gulf days after an Iranian drone hit Kuwait's main airport.
The US State Department approved a potential $1.98 billion sale of counter-drone systems to Kuwait on June 6, with Anduril as principal contractor, The National reported. The package covers counter-unmanned-aerial-systems platforms, related equipment, and support. State said it would give Kuwait, a major non-NATO ally, "electronic and kinetic defeat capabilities" against drones without shifting the regional balance.
Days earlier, a drone strike on Kuwait's international airport killed one person and injured 63, Malay Mail reported, and Kuwaiti officials condemned "Iranian aggression." Kuwait is one of several Gulf states hit during the current war with Iran.
Anduril, founded by Trump backer Palmer Luckey, was named the principal contractor. The system pictured in the announcement is the company's Anvil M drone interceptor. The approval is one tier in the foreign military sales process, not a signed contract, Dawn noted, and Congress can still review it.
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Subscribe Free →Gulf states have absorbed Iranian drone and missile fire through the war, and the airport strike moved counter-UAS to the top of Kuwait's shopping list. Washington sent the work to a venture-backed prime rather than a legacy missile maker. Anduril now has a sovereign Gulf order near $2 billion on the books. Next is the congressional review window, and whether other Gulf capitals that took fire follow Kuwait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the US approve for Kuwait?
The State Department approved a potential $1.98 billion foreign military sale of counter-unmanned-aerial-systems platforms, related equipment and support, with Anduril as principal contractor, The National and Times of Israel reported.
Is this a done deal?
No. Dawn noted the approval is one tier in the foreign military sales process, not a signed contract, and Congress can still review it.
Why did Kuwait need counter-drone systems now?
A drone strike on Kuwait's international airport killed one person and injured 63 days earlier, and Kuwaiti officials condemned "Iranian aggression," Malay Mail reported. Kuwait is one of several Gulf states hit during the current war with Iran.
What does Anduril supply?
The package provides "electronic and kinetic defeat capabilities" against drones, per the State Department via The National. The system pictured in the announcement is Anduril's Anvil M drone interceptor.
Who founded Anduril?
Anduril was founded by Palmer Luckey, a supporter of President Donald Trump, according to AFP reporting carried by Malay Mail, Deccan Chronicle and Gulf News.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.