Kuwait is plans to acquire an auxiliary support vessel, using the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) as procurement agent under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case.
Kuwait plans to buy Auxiliary Support Ships through the Foreign Military Sales(FMS) channel under the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Sunday April 13, 2021 in a request for information, NAVSEA said it was conducting market research for a design suitable for operation in the waters of Kuwait’s territorial waters, the Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Research results are expected by May 13, 2021.
According to a characteristics matrix released by NAVSEA, the Kuwait auxiliary support vessel requirement seeks a vessel 8–90 m in length, 15–18 m beam, and 5 m draft (threshold), with an endurance of 20 days, a range of 3,000 n miles, and a threshold 15 kt cruise speed (20 kt objective) at full load. The craft should be fully operational in Sea State 4 and survivable in conditions up to Sea State 6.
Specific capabilities include aviation facilities to support an EC725 Caracal helicopter; the ability to conduct alongside refuelling and replenishment while not making way; a 10-bed medical facility with the ability to perform minor operations; provision for a double lock recompression chamber and its 20 ft container; and the ability to launch and recover remotely-operated vehicles. Capacities include 700 m3 of diesel fuel, 60 m3 of aviation (helicopter) fuel, 300 m3.
