Kuwait seeks AIM-9X deal for Hornet fleet

Kuwait wants to enhance the air defense capabilities of its Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fighters via a $105 million acquisition of Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

Detailed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 27 February, the proposed deal includes the delivery of 80 AIM-9X-2 weapons, plus captive training rounds and associated equipment and training.

"The Kuwait air force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defence needs," the DSCA said. "The proposed sale of AIM-9X-2 missiles will enhance Kuwait's interoperability with the US and among other Central Command nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world."
Kuwait's Hornet fleet was introduced from 1991, as recorded by Flightglobal's MiliCAS database. Its air force still operates 34 C/D-model examples of the type.


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