Kuwaiti parliament criticizes missile deal

The Kuwaiti Nation's Council (parliament) yesterday criticized the government for buying Sea Skua marine missiles produced by British Aerospace company instead of French missiles, then it called for the presentation of a report about the deal within three months.

Parliament deputy Adnan Abdul Samed described the deal as bad militarily, administratively and economically.

The report set by the parliament's committee responsible for protecting public money revealed that the deal was ratified without the approval of parliament, and that there is nothing proving that the British missiles are better than the French ones.

The head of the committee for protecting public money, Fahd El-Henna, confirmed that the British missiles are not suitable for the Kuwaiti army because their range does not exceed 15 KM, while missiles in neighboring countries can reach more than 50 KM.

Meanwhile deputy Abdullah El-Nibari called for the formation of a neutral judicial committee for discussing this topic.

The Sea Skua missiles are to be fitted on fast patrol boats on order from France's constructions Mecqaniques de Normandie. British Aerospace won the contract after fierce competition with France's Aerospatiale.