Kuwait's defense budget, parliamentary-controlled procurement structure, main suppliers, and the Bayraktar TB2 program provide insight into the country's defense profile.
Why it Matters
- Kuwait's high-tech inventory and strong ally guarantees
- The elected parliament's de facto control over defense procurements
- The Bayraktar TB2 program has initiated a new relationship between Turkey and Kuwait
Kuwait's defense industry and military procurement profile are characterized by a high-tech inventory and strong ally guarantees, with a small army. The country was among the world's top 10 arms importers between 2020-2024. The armed forces consist of land, air, and naval elements. The defense cooperation framework established with the US after 1991 and the US bases in the country form the backbone of the security architecture.
A distinctive feature is the elected parliament's de facto control over defense procurements. Main suppliers include Italy, the US, France, and Turkey. The Bayraktar TB2 program has initiated a new relationship between Turkey and Kuwait. The country is focusing on modernization headings such as air defense, unmanned systems, naval, and fleet transition.
For the Turkish industry, potential matches are at a technical level with the ASELSAN KORKUT/GÖKDENİZ/SİPER family and Turkish shipyards' patrol boat classes.
Why it Matters for Turkey
Kuwait's defense industry and military procurement profile offer new opportunities for the Turkish industry. The Bayraktar TB2 program has initiated a new relationship between Turkey and Kuwait, with the country focusing on modernization headings such as air defense, unmanned systems, naval, and fleet transition. The Turkish industry has technical overlaps with the ASELSAN KORKUT/GÖKDENİZ/SİPER family and Turkish shipyards' patrol boat classes, presenting new cooperation and export opportunities.
