KUWAIT CITY, — June 13, 2026 : Kuwait is set to strengthen its air defense capabilities after securing a foreign military sale valued at approximately $1.98 billion for advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) from U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries. The sale was approved by the U.S. Department of State on June 5, 2026.
The approval comes shortly after a reported Iranian drone attack on Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in one fatality and 63 injuries. The incident highlighted the growing challenge posed by low-flying and asymmetric drone threats.
Anduril Industries, headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, will serve as the principal contractor. The agreement represents the company's largest international contract to date and reflects the growing role of software-focused defense firms in global military procurement.
AI-Powered Command and Control
The package is centered on Anduril’s Lattice command-and-control platform, which integrates data from radar, electro-optical, infrared, and radio-frequency sensors into a single real-time operational picture.
The AI-enabled system can autonomously detect, classify, track, and prioritize aerial threats while recommending response options to operators. The software-driven architecture enables multiple sensors and defensive systems to operate as a unified network.
Key Systems Included
The deal includes several major components of Anduril’s counter-drone portfolio:
Roadrunner-M is a reusable vertical takeoff and landing interceptor powered by twin turbojet engines. Designed to engage larger aerial threats, it can return to base and be reused if an interception is not required, reducing operational costs during sustained drone attacks.
Anvil-Kinetic is an autonomous interceptor designed to destroy small drones through direct collision.
Pulsar provides a non-kinetic electronic warfare capability by disrupting drone communications, navigation signals, and control links.
Sentry Towers in fixed, mobile, extended-range, and maritime configurations will provide continuous detection and tracking of aerial threats using computer vision and machine-learning technology.
The package also includes launch boxes, Menace tactical operations centers, generators, training, logistics support, and engineering services.
Complementing Existing Air Defenses
The new systems are designed to integrate with Kuwait’s existing air defense network, including current radar and early warning systems.
Kuwait will continue operating its Patriot missile batteries and is expected to proceed with plans to acquire the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The Anduril package is intended to address threats posed by low-cost drones and drone swarms, complementing existing defenses focused on higher-altitude and ballistic missile threats.
The systems are expected to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, military facilities, airports, ports, and energy installations across Kuwait.
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