Kuwait appears poised to increase its planned purchase of the Boeing C-17 strategic transport to a two-aircraft fleet, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has revealed.
In a 17 April notification, the US government's international sales body pegs the value of Kuwait's new request at a potential $371 million, including one aircraft, additional equipment and support services. The agency in September 2010 said the Gulf state had asked for a first example, under a procurement valued at up to $693 million.
"The provision of a second C-17 provides the Kuwait air force [with] a more robust regional airlift and long-range strategic airlift capability," the agency says. "The additional C-17 aircraft will allow the Kuwait air force to better participate in humanitarian support operations."
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Flightglobal's Ascend Online Fleets database records Kuwait as having signed a letter of intent for a first airlifter, to be manufactured during 2013. Boeing has not formally disclosed details of a formal sale with the nation, however.
Source: Flight International