Kuwait Orders 30 Caracal Helicopters From France For Over Billion Euros

The French Department of Defense has confirmed that Kuwait has placed an order for 30 Caracal helicopters for over one billion euros.

"The Ministry of Defence of the State of Kuwait signed a contract with Airbus for the acquisition of Helicopters 30 Caracal helicopters for the Kuwait army and the national guard in the presence of French Defense Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian,” the french Defense ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Kuwait had signed provisional agreements with France that included an order for 24 Airbus Caracal helicopters with an option for another six on October 21, 2015. The Letter of Agreements also covered mid-life upgrade for the Kuwait Navy’s eight P-37 fast attack craft and Renault light armored vehicles collectively worth an approximate Euro 2.5 billion (US $2.8 billion).

The helicopters are designed to carry troops and perform combat rescue missions. All the 30 aircraft will be manufactured in France. The first aircraft will be delivered to Kuwait in two and half years.