Kuwait Buys British AI Air Defence System in 370 Million Deal

Kuwait has agreed to buy a British-built AI-enabled air defence system under a £370 million contract announced on October 9, 2026, with MARSS Systems Limited providing the technology to detect and counter airborne threats.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the agreement will create 100 skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs in the United Kingdom, with production based in Bristol and expanded operations at MARSS offices.

The system will combine jammers, radars and interceptors with MARSS’s NiDAR AI-enabled command and control platform, according to the Ministry of Defence. The technology is designed to improve Kuwait’s ability to detect, deter and defeat aerial threats.

The contract is part of the UK’s Taskforce Sabre initiative, which brings government and industry together to support Gulf states in securing defence systems. The deal follows missile and drone attacks in the region involving Iran.

UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard described the agreement as support for a regional partner while highlighting benefits for British industry.

"This deal is a clear demonstration of the UK delivering on its promise to support our regional partners." said Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.

Pollard said the technology would strengthen Kuwait’s defences and support domestic employment. The Ministry of Defence said the contract reinforces the UK’s defence partnership with Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.

"By backing Kuwait with world-leading British technology, we’re not just strengthening a vital ally’s defences against real and growing threats. We’re creating skilled jobs here at home and proving that UK industry can deliver when it matters most." said Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.

MARSS CEO Johannes Pinl said the company’s approach focuses on integrating multiple capabilities through its AI-enabled platform.

"Countering drones and aerial threats is not about any single system, it is about an intelligent, layered architecture that detects, decides and defeats within seconds, and MARSS has built exactly that." said Johannes Pinl, CEO of MARSS.

MARSS is expected to integrate sensors and effectors through 2027 as part of the programme. The company said the system will protect Kuwait’s people, infrastructure and national assets.

"Through 2027, MARSS will integrate the sensors and effectors that protect Kuwait’s people, critical infrastructure and national assets, backed by British engineering and new skilled jobs here in the UK." said Johannes Pinl, CEO of MARSS.

The deal is the largest contract announced by Electro Optic Systems, MARSS’s parent company, according to The Bull. The company said more than 80% of the contract value is expected to be recognized within 12 to 24 months after conditions are completed.

Electro Optic Systems said the agreement includes requirements involving guarantees, export licences and other conditions before becoming unconditional. The company also said delivery execution and financial management remain key factors during implementation.

The UK has previously supported Kuwait through Rapid Sentry, a ground-based air defence missile system, while the Royal Air Force’s ORCUS system is operating in the country to help detect drones early.