Overview 

In Global Finance magazine’s 2021 index of safest countries in the world, Kuwait was ranked fourth among Arab countries, and 18th globally. The index reflects the degree of safety in the listed countries based on three main factors — war and peace, personal security, and natural disaster risks, including the unique risk factors caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic. Though Kuwait is safe itself, it shares a land border with Iraq and is located near several other high risk countries such as Iran and Syria.

Thus, Kuwait plans to invest considerable resources in safety and security equipment over the next few years. Kuwait’s defense and security forces will be looking to purchase surveillance equipment, perimeter security and control systems, security check point equipment (fences, crash barriers, cameras, access points), explosives and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) equipment, and contraband detection systems, including scanning systems, as well as consulting services in security planning. In particular, many efforts focus on securing Kuwait’s northern border with Iraq.

Several projects currently under consideration include additional camera surveillance systems to be installed at transportation infrastructure points, geospatial intelligence connectivity, maritime netting, and sensors to minimize security threats to vessels and facilities, including oil refineries, power plants, production facilities, and loading platforms, including in ports. Projects also include hardware and software infrastructure which are needed to support a fully integrated C4ISR system. There are additional opportunities at Kuwait International Airport, which not only is upgrading its security procedures, but also began construction of a new terminal in 2017, which is expected to be completed in 2025.  

Best Prospects/Services 

Potential opportunities for U.S. companies include: C4ISR system integration for multiple tie-ins to surveillance systems (cameras, gamma sensors, magnetometers, command and control communications); border fencing and intruder sensing; industrial access controls; maritime surveillance and protection; long-range detection; and airborne systems. 

Opportunities 

Upcoming tenders will be announced for homeland security surveillance cameras, airport security upgrades, oil and oil-related infrastructure security upgrades, border control, and surveillance. Additional projects will range from system integration to hand-held monitoring devices and long-range detection equipment. 

Resources 

For additional information on the defense sector, please contact Commercial Specialist Yousif Almahdi at Yousif.Almahdi@trade.gov.