US, Kuwait agree to deepen military cooperation and integration, Pentagon says
The US and Kuwait have agreed to deepen military cooperation, focusing on countering drones, strengthening air and missile defenses and expanding maritime security, the Pentagon said Friday.
Senior officials met at the Pentagon this week for the 16th US-Kuwait Joint Military Commission, formalizing operational roadmaps to strengthen Kuwait’s defenses and interoperability with US forces.
The talks were co-chaired by Pentagon Middle East official Mike DiMino and Kuwait’s Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Khaled al-Shriaan. Officials from CENTCOM, the Joint Staff, State Department and Maryland National Guard also participated.
Drones and unmanned aircraft systems featured prominently, with officials noting how they have transformed modern warfare and increased the need for military integration.
Earlier this year, Washington approved a $1.98 billion arms sale to Kuwait, one of several Gulf countries hit by Iranian strikes during the Middle East war. The deal would allow Kuwait to purchase counter-drone technology from Anduril.
The countries also discussed improving regional integrated air and missile defenses, expanding maritime security cooperation and streamlining US arms transfers to Kuwait.
Separately, DiMino announced Kuwait had formally joined the US State Partnership Program and will be paired with the Maryland National Guard, providing another avenue for long-term military cooperation.
Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally and hosts thousands of US troops, making it a key part of Washington’s regional military posture.
During the United States’ military conflict in the Middle East, Iran often launched retaliatory strikes towards U.S. bases in Kuwait.
