The US State Department approved the possible sale of $1.98 billion in counter-drone technology to Kuwait on June 6, 2026 [1, 2]. The package includes Roadrunner-Munition and Anvil-Kinetic counter-unmanned aerial systems platforms, launch boxes, command and control systems, long-range and maritime sentry towers, pulsar electromagnetic warfare systems, and tactical operations centers [2].
This arms sale aims to bolster US foreign policy and national security by strengthening Kuwait, a major non-NATO ally important for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East [1, 2].
The approval follows an early June 2026 drone strike on Kuwait's international airport that killed one person and injured 63 others [1]. Kuwaiti officials condemned the attack as Iranian aggression. Tehran denied responsibility, claiming the strike was an error caused by US Patriot missile systems [1].
The attacks took place despite a ceasefire established on April 8, 2026, designed to pause the Middle East war triggered by a US-Israeli bombing of Iran on February 28, 2026 [1].
The defense contractor supplying the technology is Anduril, a company founded by a supporter of former President Donald Trump [1].
Kuwait is expected to receive the counter-drone systems as part of ongoing efforts to fortify its defenses amid regional tensions. The sale is a concrete step following the airport strike and aims to prevent similar attacks in the future.
