MQ-9B drone sale to Qatar approved by State Department
NewsMarch 27, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Qatar of MQ-9B uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and associated equipment for an estimated $1.96 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced in a statement.
The proposed package includes eight MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft, munitions, ground control stations, radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and a wide range of communications and navigation equipment. The sale also covers support services, training, facilities, spare parts, and integration assistance, the statement reads.
According to the agency, the systems will enhance Qatar’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities across land and maritime domains. The aircraft and payloads are intended to bolster Qatar’s homeland defense and regional deterrence posture.
Primary contractors for the proposed sale include General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, L3Harris, Boeing, and Leonardo, the statement adds.
