The United States and Kuwait have agreed to deepen military cooperation and strengthen defense integration, with a particular focus on countering drones, improving air and missile defenses, and expanding maritime security cooperation, the Pentagon said Friday.
Senior defense officials from the two countries met at the Pentagon this week for the 16th US-Kuwait Joint Military Commission, where they approved new operational roadmaps aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s defense capabilities and improving interoperability with US forces.
The talks were co-chaired by Pentagon Middle East policy official Mike DiMino and Kuwait’s Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Khaled al-Shriaan. Representatives from US Central Command, the Joint Staff, the State Department and the Maryland National Guard also took part.
Countering the Growing Drone Threat
The growing use of drones and unmanned aircraft systems was a major focus of the discussions. Officials highlighted how the rapid spread of the technology has transformed modern warfare and increased the need for closer coordination and integration between US and Kuwaiti forces.
Earlier this year, Washington approved a $1.98 billion arms sale to Kuwait, one of several Gulf states targeted by Iranian strikes during the Middle East conflict.
The proposed package would enable Kuwait to acquire counter-drone technology from US defense company Anduril, strengthening its ability to detect and respond to unmanned aerial threats.
Stronger Air, Missile and Maritime Defenses
During the latest talks, the two sides also discussed ways to improve regional integrated air and missile defense systems, expand maritime security cooperation and streamline US arms transfers to Kuwait.
The measures are intended to strengthen Kuwait’s ability to respond to emerging regional threats while improving coordination with US military forces operating in the Gulf.
Kuwait Joins US State Partnership Program
Separately, DiMino announced that Kuwait has formally joined the US State Partnership Program and will be paired with the Maryland National Guard.
The partnership is expected to provide an additional framework for long-term military cooperation, including training, exchanges and closer coordination between the armed forces of the two countries.
Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of the United States and hosts thousands of US troops, making the Gulf state a key part of Washington’s military posture and regional security strategy.
