The Kuwaiti government has asked the US government to approve the award of a $700m construction contract to the US Army Corps of Engineers for work at Al-Mubarak air base and the Kuwait Air Force Headquarters.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has now notified the US Congress of the possible foreign military deal in Kuwait.

US Congress has 30 days to block the transaction. If it does not the Kuwait government may begin negotiations with the US Army Corps of Engineers ahead of a formal contract award.

Once the contract is awarded, the US Army Corps of Engineers will provide engineering, design, planning, acquisition, contract administration and construction management of the project.

The project also involves the provision of technical assistance for facilities that include administration, operations, maintenance and air control, perimeter security, supply and storage and utility infrastructure.

Al-Mubarak air base and the Kuwait Air Force Headquarters are located at Kuwait International Airport in Al-Farwaniyah, just 9.6 miles south of Kuwait City.