Qatar goes on spending spree

In recent years, the Middle East has become the highest spending region of the world for defence, and a lucrative market for many of the world’s manufacturers. Leading the spending for many years has been Saudi Arabia, closely followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Now, Qatar is utilising its oil and gas dollars to not only greatly enhance its own defences, but also to enable it to play a much larger part in multinational peacekeeping operations.Qatar has maintained a modest defence force for some time, but recently has begun an expansion in capability that will ultimately place it alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the forefront of Gulf defence. That expansion first began with the acquisition of Lockheed Martin C-130J and Boeing C-17 transports, the latter soon being pressed into service on international humanitarian support operations.

However, the full extent of Qatar’s expansive ambitions was revealed in March this year. On the last day of the Dimdex show in Doha, Qatar unveiled a list of orders that, when delivered, will greatly reshape the country’s armed forces. Altogether, the potential order book announced in Doha adds up to a staggering figure of more than $23 billion.The orders cover new equipment for all three services, and not only represent a major recapitalisation of the existing fleet, but also signi ficant extensions in the range of capabilities the armed forces can muster.As well as bolstering the nation’s defence – particularly in the realm of protecting Qatar’s vital o- shore oil and gas fields from potential attack by Iran – the new equipment will allow Qatar to undertake long-range deployments in support of multinational operations, following the successful employment of Qatari Mirage 2000 fighters in support of NATO’s Libyan campaign.

In dollar terms, the lead item in Qatar’s shopping list is the Raytheon Patriot PAC-3 air defence system, for which Lockheed Martin provides the PAC-3 interceptors. The deal is thought to include 11 re units, and PAC-2 GEM-T interceptors to augment the PAC-3s. Qatar is also interested in acquiring the THAAD system for high-altitude defence. In terms of new air capability, Qatar has selected the Airbus A330 multirole tanker/transport to fulfil a need for aerial refuelling and long-range deployment support. In so doing, Qatar has become the third Gulf nation to select the Airbus tanker, following Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Qatar Emiri Air Force will also receive three Boeing 737 AEW&C airborne early warning aircraft to enhance air and maritime defence capability. Qatar is the fourth customer for this system, after Australia, Korea and Turkey. e country also announced plans to enhance its surveillance capabilities through the development of an optionally piloted air vehicle with partner Thales.Lockheed Martin has been contracted to establish and operate a new air force training academy.

Qatar has already ordered the Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainer and the first is due for delivery in the coming weeks, but a jet-powered advanced/weapons trainer is also likely to be the subject of an order in the near future. Despite the large number of orders and selections announced at Dimdex, there was, however, no mention of Qatar’s outstanding new fighter requirement, for which a number of manufacturers are vying. Sources suggest that up to 72 new aircraft are required to supplant the existing Mirage 2000‑5 squadron.
Another major enhancement in capability will come with the delivery of 24 Boeing AH‑64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, which will supersede a small unit equipped with ageing Gazelle helicopters. According to the request to US Congress, the Apache deal will also include Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, Stinger air-to-air missiles and Hydra 70 unguided rockets. As well as their traditional battlefield roles, the Apaches are seen as being a key weapon in defending offshore oil/ gas installations. Another helicopter type that Qatar has agreed to buy is the NH Industries NH90, of which 22 are to be procured; 12 will be in the battlefield assault transport configuration, and 10 outfitted for maritime ASW/frigate duties.

While air and air defence assets dominated the headlines of the announcements, the army and naval forces are also to be bolstered through new acquisitions. The Qatari coastguard is to buy 17 fast patrol vessels from the Turkish Ares shipyard, in 46m (two), 33m (10) and 23m (five) versions. The navy is to get six 50m axe-bow vessels and a 52m diving support vessel from Qatari shipyard Nakilat Damen.Meanwhile, the Qatari army has already announced plans to buy PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled guns and Leopard 2 main battle tanks from German manufacturer KMW. It is also to get Javelin shoulder-launched anti-armour missiles from the Raytheon/ Lockheed Martin joint venture.



http://www.janes.com/article/37584/qatar-goes-on-spending-spree