Kuwait-Germany Defense Relations: Hurdles facing Rheinmetall C-UAS deal

17 July 2025

IntelligenceNote

Summary

Kuwait is looking to procure air defense systems to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and

cruise missile threats.

In this regard, Rheinmetall’s SkyShield all-weather short-range air defense (SHORAD) remains under evaluation.

However, several hurdles have kept Germany outside Kuwait’s top tier of defense suppliers up until now.

The note provides an overview of the following aspects:

The hurdles facing defense relations between the two countries
Kuwait’s views on Rheinmetall’s SkyShield
Kuwait’s prerequisites for moving forward with a deal with Germany
Alternative options if Germany fails to meet these prerequisites during a specified time window