Kuwait has gained U.S. State Department approval to purchase continued technical support and services for its F/A-18 C/D fighter aircraft.

The support and services would be provided by U.S. contractor personnel through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program and is worth an estimated $420 million.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which manages the FMS program, said the proposed package would cover F/A-18 avionics software upgrades, engine component improvements, ground support equipment, engine and aircraft spares and repair parts.

"The proposed sale of support services will enable the Kuwait Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its F/A-18 C/D aircraft," DSCA said in its required notification to Congress.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."

The principal contractors would be Kay and Associates, Boeing, Industrial Acoustics Corporation, General Electric, and Sigmatech. Implementation of the proposed sale will require 275 contractor support representatives to travel to Kuwait for a period of three years.