Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods approved for Kuwait

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- A possible U.S. sale of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods and associated equipment for Kuwait's F/A-18s is in the works.

The U.S. State Department has approved the $115 million deal under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, and now Congress has received notification.

"Kuwait has requested the Sniper ATP due to its compatibility with the latest precision-guided weapons and capability of detecting, identifying, and engaging multiple moving and fixed targets in air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency told Congress. "Integration of the Sniper ATP on Kuwait's F/A-18 aircraft would enhance its ability to protect itself against possible aggression from foreign forces."

DSCA is the responsible agency for managing the FMS program.

Kuwait's FMS shopping list includes 14 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods and their integration on its F/A-18s; improvements in the aircraft on-board mission computer software suite; operational support for modifications; systems integration and testing; software development/integration; test sets; spares and repair parts; and related logistics and engineering support.