The State Department has approved a possible $197 million deal with Qatar for equipment and support needed to upgrade its Air Force’s operations center.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on March 8 of the foreign military sale (FMS).
“The Government of Qatar has requested to purchase equipment and support to upgrade the Qatari Emiri Air Force’s Air Operation Center to enhance the performance of integrated air defense planning and provide US-Qatari systems interoperability,” the DSCA wrote in a statement.
The Qatari government has requested a multifunctional information distribution low volume terminal, GPS selective availability anti-spoofing module chips, simple key loaders, high assurance internet protocol encryptors and GSS components for its Link-16 network.
Under the deal, Qatar would also receive construction support, installation services, secure communications equipment, and logistical and technical support services.
“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Persian Gulf region,” DSCA said. “Our mutual defense interests anchor our relationship and the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) plays a predominant role in Qatar’s defense.”
The prime contractor for the deal is Raytheon [RTN].