The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to Kuwait for Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) and associated equipment, parts and logistical support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress about the potential sale.
Valued at around $115m, the proposed sale would see the delivery of fourteen AN/AAQ-33 sniper advanced targeting pods (ATP) in addition to non-major defence equipment (MDE) including associated equipment, spares, accessories, and airworthiness certification.
Moreover, the deal will include the system integration on the Kuwait’s F/A-18 aircraft along with enhancement in the on-board mission computer software suites.
The deal also covers systems integration and testing, software development / integration, test sets, support equipment, spares, repair parts, maintenance and pilot training.
The delivery of publications and technical documents, US Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics, engineering and program support also come under the FMS.
The principal contractor for this proposed deal is Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control.
The Sniper ATP has been designed to provide pilots with high-resolution imagery for precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
With this system, aircraft crew will be able to detect, identify, automatically track and laser designate small tactical targets at long ranges, supporting employment of all laser- and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets.
Kuwait has requested the new capabilities due to its compatibility with the latest precision-guided weapons and capability. With the new development, Kuwait’s F/A-18 aircraft would be capable of enhancing its ability to protect itself against possible aggression from foreign forces.
Image: A Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod hangs from the underbelly of a B-1B Lance. Photo: courtesy of Staff Sgt. Darnell Cannady.
