Rheinmetall is supplying the Kuwaiti Naval Forces with its Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems for the first time, the defence contractor said in a statement. The order covers launchers for eight vessels along with corresponding Omnitrap-ER ammunition, with the launcher contract valued in the low double-digit million euro range and the ammunition portion in the high single-digit million euro range. Integration, verification and commissioning activities form part of the agreement, which was booked during the second quarter of 2026. Deliveries are set to begin immediately and run through the second quarter of 2029.
The systems will equip Al Dorra-class guided-missile boats that form the centerpiece of Kuwait’s largest naval shipbuilding programme in more than 15 years. Abu Dhabi Ship Building is constructing the vessels on behalf of the UAE-based EDGE Group, which signed a AED 9 billion head contract with Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence in June 2025 for the programme that Quwa reported as the largest naval export deal in regional history. The first hull, named AL NOUKHITHA, was launched at the ADSB yard in February 2026.
In the statement, Rheinmetall described the MASS as a modular system capable of protecting vessels from anti-ship missiles and laser-guided weapons in open seas, coastal waters or rivers. It deploys multispectral decoys covering radar, ultraviolet, electro-optical, laser and infrared wavelengths through a single launcher that can integrate into existing command systems or operate independently. The Omnitrap-ER rounds provide extended range and refined trajectories optimised for contemporary imaging radar and infrared-guided threats.
Kuwait has assembled a series of complementary contracts for the Al Dorra platform in recent months as naval modernisation gathers pace. Leonardo secured a €320 million deal in May 2026 to furnish next-generation combat systems including radars and management suites for the boats, the Italian firm announced at the time. French company HGH followed with an agreement to equip the same eight vessels with SPYNEL 360-degree infrared surveillance sensors, The Defense Post reported in early July.
The Al Dorra-class vessels are based on the Falaj 3 design and measure roughly 63 metres with a displacement of approximately 725 tonnes, a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 2,000 nautical miles at 16 knots, according to Janes data cited by Quwa. They are intended to strengthen maritime security, coastal patrol, search-and-rescue and protection of offshore energy infrastructure for the Kuwaiti Naval Forces. The programme builds on earlier collaboration between ADSB and Leonardo that has produced more than 25 naval vessels over two decades.
Kuwait’s wider maritime upgrades include a $213 million contract awarded to SRT Marine Systems in October 2024 for an AI-enabled radar surveillance network covering more than 40,000 square miles of territorial waters, the UK company stated. Twelve radar towers, a surveillance aircraft and onshore command centres are included in that project, which is scheduled to reach full operational capability by mid-2026. These investments reflect sustained Gulf emphasis on naval capability expansion amid evolving regional maritime requirements.
