The 16th U.S.-Kuwait Joint Military Commission (JMC) concluded its two-day meeting at the Pentagon on August 20, co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of War (DASW) Michael P. DiMino IV and Kuwait's Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Khaled al-Shriaan. The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to a robust, reciprocal, and enduring defense partnership, formalizing operational roadmaps to advance mutual defense interests.
Discussions focused on regional security challenges and opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its defense capabilities against shared threats. Key topics included improving interoperability, expanding maritime security cooperation, and strengthening regional integrated air and missile defense architectures. Both leaders emphasized the transformative impact of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) on warfare, highlighting the critical need for deeper integration. Kuwait plans to deepen its investment in defense, including a pending $1.98 billion acquisition of Anduril counter-small UAS (C-sUAS) systems, as part of a broader strategy to expand foreign military sales. The America First Arms Transfer Strategy was also discussed to streamline processes and accelerate Kuwait's armed forces modernization.
A significant outcome of the commission was DASW DiMino's formal announcement of Kuwait's acceptance into the State Partnership Program, pairing it with the Maryland National Guard. Major General Janeen Birckhead, Adjutant General for the Maryland National Guard, represented the program at the JMC.