The U.S. State Department has authorized a potential Foreign Military Sale to Qatar, consisting of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment. This transaction is valued at approximately $1.96 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress about this possible sale, which includes eight MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and various ordnance and support systems.
Qatar has requested a range of equipment, including 200 KMU-572 JDAM tail kits, 300 BLU-111 500-lb general-purpose bombs, and 110 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles, among other items. Additional non-MDE items involve turboprop engines, ground control stations, radar systems, and secure communication devices. The total estimated cost of these provisions is $1.96 billion.
The proposed sale aims to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by enhancing Qatar's defense capabilities. It is designed to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and counter-surface sea capabilities. The State Department notes that "Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," and the sale will not disrupt the military balance in the region.
Primary contractors for this sale include General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, L3Harris, Boeing Corporation, and Leonardo SpA. Currently, there are no offset agreements tied to this sale, though negotiations may establish such terms.
Implementation does not necessitate additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel in Qatar. The sale, projected to have no negative impact on U.S. defense readiness, reflects the highest estimated quantity and dollar value.
Inquiries about the sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs.