Qatar requests US $197m upgrade of QEAF’s AOC

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) of equipment and support to Qatar.

With an estimated cost of $197m, the proposed sale has been requested by the Government of Qatar with an aim to upgrade the Qatari Emiri Air Force’s (QEAF) Air Operation Center (AOC).

The probable deal will cover the sale of one multifunctional information distribution system low volume terminal (MIDS LVT) and global positioning system (GPS) selective availability anti-spoofing module (SAASM) chips. It will also include simple key loaders (SKL), high-assurance internet protocol encryptors (HAIPE), and ground support system (GSS) components for Link-16 military tactical data exchange network.

Qatar has also requested the procurement of required infrastructure construction, integration, installation and sustainment services, cybersecurity solutions, technical and support facilities, spare and repair parts, as well as support and test equipment.

Approved by the US State Department, the possible sale will include the delivery of communications security (COMSEC), secure communications equipment, encryption devices, and software development.

The acquisition of the equipment and support will help QEAF to improve the performance of integrated air defence planning and ensure interoperability between the US and Qatari systems.

Qatar plays a key role in maintaining political stability and economic progress in the Persian Gulf region.

The AOC upgrade will help support the defensive capability of Qatar to combat current and future threats in the country, as well as reduce dependence on the US forces.

Approximately five additional US Government personnel and nearly 15 contractor representatives will be sent to the country to implement the proposed sale.

Raytheon will serve as the potential principal contractor.