Before the Gulf War, Kuwait maintained a small military force consisting of army, navy, and air force and national guard units. The majority of equipment for the military was supplied by the United Kingdom and the United States. Aside from the few units that were able to escape to Saudi Arabia, including a majority of the air force, all of this equipment was either destroyed or taken by the Iraqis. Much of the property returned by Iraq after the Gulf war was damaged beyond repair. Iraq still retains a substantial amount of captured Kuwaiti military equipment in violation of UN resolutions.

Since the war, Kuwait, with the help of the United States. and other allies, has made significant efforts to increase the size and modernity of their armed forces. These efforts are succeeding. The government also continues to improve defense arrangements with other Arab states, as well as UN Security Council members.

A separately organized National Guard maintains internal security. Police forces are under the authority of the Ministry of Interior.

Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force, National Guard, Coast Guard

Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 749,252 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 446,518 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males: 17,919 (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $2.518 billion (FY99/00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 8% (FY99/00)

References and Links

• Kuwait