The Middle Eastern Air Defense – Combined Defense Operations Cell, known as MEAD-CDOC, is located within the Combined Air Operations Center at the base. It is staffed by personnel from the United States and partner nations operating in the region.
The Qatar-based Combined Air Operations Center was established more than 20 years ago and currently includes representatives from 17 nations. The addition of MEAD-CDOC is designed to enhance coordination and integration of air and missile defence efforts among regional partners.
“This is a significant step forward in strengthening regional defense cooperation,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command. “This cell will improve how regional forces coordinate and share air and missile defense responsibilities across the Middle East.”
Service members from U.S. Air Forces Central will work alongside regional counterparts to plan multinational exercises, conduct drills and respond to contingencies. The cell will also serve as a hub for sharing information and issuing threat warnings.
“The MEAD-CDOC creates a consistent venue to share expertise and collectively create new solutions together with our regional partners,” said Lt. Gen. Derek France, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central. “This strengthens our integrated air and missile defense throughout the region.”
The opening of the new cell follows the establishment last year of two bilateral Combined Command Posts for air and missile defence with Qatar and Bahrain. Those facilities, opened by U.S. Army Central, support integrated air defence planning, coordination and operations across the region.
