Pentagon plans Patriot sale to Kuwait

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- The Pentagon has informed the U.S. Congress of a possible sale of Raytheon's MIM-104E Patriot missiles to Kuwait.

"The government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale of 209 MIM-104E Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-T Missiles," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. "The estimated cost is $900 million.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."

Kuwait needs the missiles to meet threats of enemy air-to-ground weapons, it said, and the proposed sale would have no adverse effects on U.S. defense readiness.

Under law, Congress has 30 days to review the proposed sale.

The Patriot, used to counter in-bound missiles, has a speed of 3,800 mph and a range of about 43 miles. It's the U.S. Army's main tactical air-defense system.