General

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.

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.

Since 1999 women have served in police forces.

Overview

Military branches
Land Forces, Navy, Air Force (includes Air Defense Force), National Guard (2002)

Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001)

Manpower available for military service
males age 18-49: 864,745 (2005 est.)

Manpower fit for military service
males age 18-49: 737,292 (2005 est.)

Manpower reaching military service age annually
males: 18,743 (2005 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure
$2,584.5 million (2004)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP
5.3% (2004)