Kuwait purchases 30 military helicopters from France

Kuwait yesterday signed a deal to buy 30 Military Caracal Helicopters worth $1.1 billion from France, Quds Press reported.

A statement issued by the Kuwaiti defence ministry announced that the French Airbus Caracal will supply the helicopters with a developed electronic combat system, including air-to-ground missiles.

The deal includes training for the Kuwaiti pilots and professionals on how to use the helicopters and the necessary infrastructure at Ali Al Salem Air Base needed for the new equipment.

The sale of the helicopters forms part of a €2.5 billion package the countries agreed to in October 2015.

“With this deal, Kuwait further strengthens the strategic partnership which has bound together our two countries for several decades, while we are currently engaged side-by-side in the fight against Daesh in Iraq and Syria,” French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement reported by AFP.