JAFFA, Israel -The Kuwaiti government has officially addressed the “National Assembly,” the Kuwaiti parliament, asking it to approve a $20.4 billion fund to finance weapons purchases for the military for the next 10 years.
The Kuwaiti daily Al-Akhbar reported the government is seeking the funds “to cover the needs of the ministry of defense in arming and purchasing mechanisms of weaponry, in light of the situation in the region, and in order to maintain the readiness of the armed forces.”
Arabic newspapers add that Kuwait has recently signed contracts with a number of countries and companies in order to purchase such weapons systems as 24 Caracal helicopters worth $2.5 billion and 28 Typhoon fighter jets.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah al-Sabah, minister of state for cabinet affairs, confirmed the government sent a request for a new budget, but declined to specify the amount requested.
The increase in funding comes as the Gulf nations respond to the international agreement with Iran and the rise of jihadist organizations in the region.
With additional reporting by Reuters.
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