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Air and missile defense: U.S. approves $4.01 billion sale of 200 PAC-2 and 300 PAC-3 interceptors to Qatar

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Air |
Air and missile defense: U.S. approves $4.01 billion sale of 200 PAC-2 and 300 PAC-3 interceptors to Qatar

Photo: RTX.

The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for Patriot air and missile defense replenishment services and related equipment. The proposed deal is estimated at $4.01 billion.

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According to the determination, Qatar has requested 200 Patriot Advanced Capability-2 Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical systems and 300 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement systems. The request also includes spare parts, repair services, consumables, technical assistance, logistics support and other program-related elements.

The Secretary of State determined that an emergency exists requiring the immediate sale of the defense articles and services. This decision waives the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.



Officials said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening a partner country. Qatar is described as an important contributor to political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The sale is expected to enhance Qatar’s ability to address current and future threats. It will also support operations in coalition environments and improve interoperability with U.S. military forces.

Qatar is expected to use the Patriot system to replenish its missile defense capability, protect its territorial integrity and deter regional threats. The Department of State said the transaction would not alter the basic military balance in the region.



The principal contractors for the potential sale are Lockheed Martin, based in Dallas, Texas, and RTX Corporation, based in Arlington, Virginia. No offset agreement has been identified, and any such arrangement would be determined through negotiations between Qatar and the contractors.

The implementation of the proposed sale is not expected to require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel in Qatar. Officials said the package is structured to provide support without expanding the U.S. presence in the country.

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