TSAMTO, July 5. The US State Department has approved the potential supply of a large batch of heavy tactical trucks with auxiliary and related equipment to Kuwait.
The total cost of delivery under the "Foreign Military Sales" program may amount to $ 445 million. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the planned sale on July 1.
The Government of Kuwait has asked the United States about the possibility of purchasing 517 heavy tactical vehicles, including HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) heavy tactical trucks and HET (Heavy Equipment Transporter) heavy military equipment transporters.
This number includes 31 HEMTT repair and evacuation vehicles (ten-ton M984A4 with crane and winch), 100 HEMTT tankers (ten-ton M978A4 with a 2500-gallon tank), 188 guided missile transporters (ten-ton M985A4 with winch), 50 HET heavy military equipment transporters (M1070A1), 50 635NL commercial trailers for use with HET tractors, 49 trailers with loading systems pallets PLS (M1076A0), flat platforms for PLS (M1077 with sides).
The request provides for the logistics of automotive equipment, including spare parts, special tools and test equipment, the transfer of technical manuals, training of operators and specialists in the maintenance of new equipment outside the continental United States (OCONUS), the provision of technical support to contractors (CLS), including field service representatives (FSR), the provision of equipment preparation services for transfer, the construction of a maintenance base for equipment, program management, other related elements of material support and support for the program.
As stated, "the implementation of this program is in line with the interests of US foreign policy and national security and will increase the defensive potential of the main non-NATO ally, which is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."
The notification notes that the sale of the requested equipment will increase the capabilities of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces to counter existing and future threats, providing logistics and transport support to the command of the Ground Forces.
BRAM HEMTT provide the possibility of restoring damaged wheeled vehicles. The HEMTT and Palletized Load System trailers will provide transportation of bulk supplies, including fuel, ammunition, spare parts and food. The Kuwaiti Armed Forces will use HET vehicles to transport heavy equipment, including the existing M1A2 tanks and the new M1A2K MBT, the delivery of which is scheduled for 2021.
Oshkosh Defense has been selected as the general contractor for the supply of HEMTT, HET, PLS trailers and support services. Fontaine Trailers will be the subcontractor for the supply of 635NL commercial trailers, Etnyre will be the platform supplier.
The notice of sale is published in accordance with the requirements of American law. The description and the cost of sale reflect the highest estimated indicators based on the initial requirements. The actual purchase price may be lower, depending on the final requirements, financial capabilities and signed purchase and sale agreements, if they are concluded.