Kuwait receives 2 Typhoon jets from Italy

Kuwait yesterday received two Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Italy, KUNA reported.

The aircraft were handed over in a ceremony at Caselle Air Base in Turin, Italy, in the presence of Kuwaiti Ambassador to Italy Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah and Deputy Commander of the Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Staff Bandar Al-Mezyen.

The aircraft is due to arrive in Kuwait next week.

“This is a milestone in our comprehensive strategy to bring about a quantum leap in the preparedness of Kuwait Air Force and the fruit of a long history of defence cooperation with Italy,” Al-Mezyan said.

“The new squadron of aircraft meets the world’s latest standards of multi-role fighters in terms of electronic warfare, the fastest ability to respond, the advanced and diversified missile weaponry and E-scan radar,” he added. “This will give momentum to the national defence abilities and upgrade the skills of the Kuwaiti military pilots.”The two countries signed a contract for 28 Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes in April 2016, with Italian media reporting the deal to be worth €7-8 billion ($8-9 billion). Also included in the agreement were logistics, operational support and the training of flight crews and ground personnel, which will be carried out in cooperation with the Italian Air Force.

According to the Kuwaiti Defence Ministry the arrival of all aircraft will be complete by 2022, and they are expected to remain in-service operation until 2050.

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