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US approves sale of 300 Hellfire missiles to Kuwait

The U.S. State Department approved the sale to Kuwait of 300 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related equipment at an estimated cost of $30.4 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a release.

The government of Kuwait requested to 300 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, one warhead section assembly and one rocket motor, the Monday, July 30 release said.

Also included in the proposed sale are missile containers, 19 M261 2.75-inch tube rocket launchers, as well as spare and repair parts, training, engineering, technical and other supports.

“The proposed sale improves Kuwait’s capability to meet current and future threats,” the release said. “Kuwait will use the missiles to strengthen its homeland defense.”

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin.

The AGM-114R Hellfire is a 100-lb-class missile that can used against armored targets, vehicles, urban structures, boats and personnel. Although originally designed for helicopters, the missile can now be launched from air, sea and ground platforms.

It features a three-axis inertial measurement unit that enables the missile to engage targets to the front, side and behind without requiring the launcher to maneuver into position.

It has a range of up to 8 km (8,750 yards), and is equipped with semi-active laser seeker and a K-charge multi-purpose warhead.

JAGM, Lockheed’s Hellfire missile replacement, cleared for production

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