July 20, 2009: Kuwait is upgrading its 254 British made Desert Warrior IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles). These 24 ton armored vehicles have a turret mounted 30mm autocannon. Also mounted on the turret are two TOW anti-tank guided missiles. The crew consists of a commander, gunner and driver. Seven passengers (usually infantry) can be carried.
Kuwait is installing an improved thermal sight. The TOW gunners sight will also be upgraded, to work with the new thermal sight. This will enable the TOW gunners to see and hit targets at maximum range (3,700 meters.) The new sights will also make it more likely that the IFVs will see the enemy, and fire, first. For thin skinned IFVs, this is a matter of life or death.
