US approves sale of heavy tactical vehicles to Kuwait

The US State Department has approved a potential $445m foreign military sale (FMS) of heavy tactical vehicles and associated equipment to Kuwait.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which supports US national security and foreign policy interests, has already notified the US Congress about this possible sale.

In its announcement, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the proposed sale was approved because the ally “is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”

The move comes after Kuwait placed a request to procure a total of 517 heavy tactical vehicles, including Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) and Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET).

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.

Overall, the sales package will include 31 HEMTT Wrecker Trucks (M984A4 10t with crane and winch), 100 HEMTT Fuel Tanker Trucks (M978A4, 10t, 2,500gal), 188 Guided Missile Transporter Trucks (M985A4, 10t with winch), and 50 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Trucks (M1070A1).

“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.