US Approves Foreign Military Sale of Actuated Devices to Kuwait

A test dummy equipped with a new modular handgun system is dropped at a rate of speed on a vertical deceleration tower inside the 711th Human Performance Wing, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2017. The drop is meant to simulate being ejected from an aircraft and tests the safety and durability of the new modular handgun system when exposed to the stresses associated with ejection from an aircraft. This is the first time any service has conducted this type of demonstration to ensure a side arm is safe for aircrew to carry in ejection seat aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Wesley Farnsworth)A test dummy equipped with a new modular handgun system is dropped at a rate of speed on a vertical deceleration tower inside the 711th Human Performance Wing, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2017. The drop is meant to simulate being ejected from an aircraft and tests the safety and durability of the new modular handgun system when exposed to the stresses associated with ejection from an aircraft. This is the first time any service has conducted this type of demonstration to ensure a side arm is safe for aircrew to carry in ejection seat aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Wesley Farnsworth)

Emergency military aircraft ejection test. Photo: Wesley Farnsworth/US Air Force

The US has approved a $59.1 million foreign military sale of actuated devices and related support for Kuwait.

The contract adds to a previously approved sale of Cartridge Actuated Device/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) originally valued at $48.2 million.

Actuator capabilities are used for moving mechanisms in an aircraft. Usually, these components consist of motors or catapults that aid military personnel escape systems during emergencies.

Under the contract, the CAD/PAD will be fitted on Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornet multirole combat and KC-130J multirole tactical tanker transport fleets.

The US will provide associated logistics, technical, and program support alongside the package.

The principal contractors will be announced after a competitive solicitation.

Kuwaiti Air Force F-18Kuwaiti Air Force F-18
A camouflaged F-18C Hornet aircraft of the Kuwaiti Air Force parked on the flight line in 1993. Photo: PH2 Bruce R. Trombecky/US Navy

Supporting Air Defense in Kuwait and Middle East

The CAD/PAD sale boosts the government’s equipment and sustainment support for Kuwait’s air defense, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

The articles set for delivery are expected to assist Kuwait in maintaining its military capacity for territorial integrity and national security.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the DSCA said.

“Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Kuwait.”

“There will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”

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