Washington (TDI): The US has approved the sale of advanced military equipment to Qatar, valued at nearly $2 billion.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the agreement, officially worth $1.96 billion, includes sophisticated drones, bombs, and advanced defense systems to enhance Qatar’s military capabilities.
The deal comprises the sale of 8 MQ-9B drones, 500-pound precision-guided bombs, radar systems, satellite communication systems, and modern targeting equipment.
To ensure optimal use of the military equipment, the agreement also includes training and technical support for Qatari personnel, read the statement.
The DSCA, which oversees the sale of US military hardware to foreign nations, said that the sale is aimed at bolstering Qatar’s surveillance and defense capabilities.
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US officials said that the equipment would help Doha counter regional security threats and strengthen the protection of its territorial integrity.
They have also stressed that the military sale would not disturb the balance of power in the region.
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They reassured neighbouring nations that the transaction is in line with maintaining regional stability.
According to the US Statement Department, the United States and Qatar have the following defense cooperation deals: 2012 General Security of Military Information Agreement, 2013 Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, 2013 Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence, 2014 Defence Cooperation Agreement, 2016 Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement, and 2020 Maritime Implementing Agreement.
Two leading US defense companies, General Atomics and Lockheed Martin, will spearhead the production and supply of the equipment.
