Kuwait Land Forces

The Kuwait Land Forces (Arabic: القوات البرية الكويتية), also known as the His Highness Land Force, serves as the oldest branch of the Kuwait Armed Forces. Established formally in 1949, the force is responsible for land warfare and the territorial integrity of the state. Its origins stretch back even further, tracing its lineage to the 19th-century cavalry and infantry units that defended the Al-Kout Fortress, as well as mounted forces active between 1919 and 1938.

Key Facts

Personnel: Approximately 17,500 personnel (as of 2024).
Motto: "God, Country & The Emir" (الله والوطن والامير).
Headquarters: Kuwait City.
Command: Under the Ministry of Defense; currently led by Assistant Chief Combat Commander Brigadier Mohammad Al-Dhafiri.
Primary Colors: Green and Red.

Historical Evolution

The modern Kuwait Army was created in 1949 by Field Marshal Sheikh Abdullah Mubarak Al-Sabah. During its early years, it maintained a close relationship with the Directorate of Public Security Force, with which it was partnered in 1938 before officially splitting in 1953. In the early stages of its development, Colonel Mubarak Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah served as the deputy commander.

The force faced its most significant challenge during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. During the Iraqi invasion, the Kuwaiti military was considerably smaller than it is today, and a vast majority of its equipment was either destroyed or seized by invading forces.

In recent years, the Land Forces have focused on modernization. Notably, in early 2024, 149 M-84AB tanks were sent to the Djuro Djakovic factory in Croatia for refurbishment and repairs.

Kuwaiti M-84AB tanks parading on 25 and 26 February 2011 with members of the 34 nations coalition force partners; celebrations that marked the 50th anniversary of the Independence, the 20th anniversary of Liberation and the 5th anniversary of the ascendance of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the leadership of the State of Kuwait.

Organizational Structure

The Kuwait Land Forces are organized into several specialized brigades and independent authorities to ensure comprehensive national defense. The structure includes:

Mechanized and Armored Brigades

6th Liberation Mechanized Brigade
15th Mubarak Armored Brigade
26th Al-Soor Mechanized Brigade
35th Shahid (Martyr) Armored Brigade
94th Saleh Al-Mohammed Mechanized Brigade

Independent Authorities and Support

25th Commando Brigade (Independent)
Kuwait Emiri Guard Authority (Independent)
Kuwait Military Police Authority (Independent)
Kuwait Military Fire Service Directorate

Military Equipment and Armament

Kuwait maintains a diverse arsenal of armored vehicles and weaponry sourced from the United States, Europe, and the former Soviet Union.

Armored Fighting Vehicles

The backbone of the armored force consists of the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank, with 218 M1A2 units and 218 M1A2K variants. The force also utilizes the Yugoslavian M-84AB and a variety of infantry fighting vehicles, including the British Desert Warrior and the Soviet-designed BMP-3 and BMP-2.

For personnel transport and support, the army employs the M113A2 and M577 armored personnel carriers, as well as the Egyptian Fahd 240. Specialized support is provided by M88A2 Hercules and M-84AI recovery vehicles, and the German Fuchs 2 for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) reconnaissance.

Artillery and Anti-Tank Systems

The Land Forces utilize the Chinese PLZ-45 self-propelled howitzer and the BM-30 Smerch multiple launch rocket system. Anti-tank capabilities are extensive, featuring the TOW missile system (M-901 and TOW II), the Russian 9M133 Kornet, and the Swedish Carl Gustav M3 recoilless rifle.

Small Arms and Infantry Weapons

Standard infantry equipment includes the M4 carbine and M16A2 rifles, with the 25th Commando Brigade specifically utilizing the Bushmaster M4A3. Support weapons include the M60 and M2 Browning machine guns, and the M107/M107A1 anti-materiel rifle for sniping operations.

Vehicle Name	Origin	Type	Approx. Quantity
M1A2 / M1A2K Abrams	USA	Main Battle Tank	436
M-84AB	Yugoslavia	Main Battle Tank	149
Desert Warrior	UK	Infantry Fighting Vehicle	254
BMP-3	Soviet Union	Infantry Fighting Vehicle	~200
M113A2	USA	Armoured Personnel Carrier	260

Rank Structure

The military hierarchy is topped by His Highness, the Emir of Kuwait, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief, and His Highness, the Crown Prince, as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief.

Commissioned Officers

The officer corps is divided into General/Flag officers (such as Fariq 'awal and Liwa), Senior officers (Amid, Aqid, Muqaddam, Ra'id), and Junior officers (Naqib, Mulazim awwal, Mulazim).

Enlisted Personnel

The enlisted ranks progress from Jundi (Private) and Jundiun awwal up through NCO ranks including Earif, Raqib, and Wakil 'awal.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Kuwait Land Force established?

The Kuwait Army was formally created in 1949, though its roots trace back to 19th-century defensive forces at Al-Kout Fortress.

What is the primary main battle tank used by Kuwait?

The primary main battle tank is the M1A2 Abrams, including the upgraded M1A2K variant.

How many personnel are currently in the Kuwait Land Forces?

As of 2024, the force consists of approximately 17,500 personnel.

What happened to Kuwait's military equipment during the first Gulf War?

During the 1990-1991 invasion, most of the military's equipment was either destroyed or seized by Iraqi forces.

Which unit uses the Bushmaster M4A3 carbine?

The Bushmaster M4A3 is specifically used by the 25th Commando Brigade.