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Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) THAAD

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress 02 November 2012 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Fire Units and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $6.5 billion. The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of 2 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Fire Units, 12 THAAD Launchers, 150 THAAD Interceptors, 2 THAAD Fire Control and Communications, 2 AN/TPY-2 THAAD Radars, and 1 Early Warning Radar (EWR). Also included are fire unit maintenance equipment, prime movers (trucks), generators, electrical power units, trailers, communications equipment, tools, test and maintenance equipment, repair and return, system integration and checkout, spare/repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel support services, and other related support elements.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. This proposed sale will help strengthen U.S. efforts to promote regional stability by enhancing regional defense capabilities of a key U.S. partner. The proposed sale will help strengthen Qatar’s capability to counter current and future threats in the region and reduce dependence on U.S. forces. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing this weapon system into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors are Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation in Sunnyvale, California, and the sub-contractor was Raytheon Corporation in Andover, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale at this time. Implementation of this proposed sale will require periodic travel of up to13 U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Qatar for an undetermined period for delivery, system checkout, and training as determined by the schedule. There was no known adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale was required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Qatar's acquisition of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is part of its broader effort to bolster its air and missile defense capabilities, largely in response to regional security threats, particularly from Iran. Qatar, like many of its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbors, faces potential missile threats from Iran. Iran has a large and growing arsenal of short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic missiles. THAAD is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles in their terminal phase (as they descend toward their target), making it highly effective against such threats. The strategic location of Qatar, close to key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, increases its vulnerability to missile attacks, further justifying the need for advanced missile defense.

Qatar already possesses Patriot missile defense systems, which are effective against lower-altitude threats, such as aircraft and short-range ballistic missiles. THAAD complements the Patriot system by providing defense at higher altitudes and over longer ranges. Together, these systems create a layered missile defense architecture, which improves Qatar’s ability to defend against a wide range of missile threats. THAAD’s extended range and high-altitude capabilities allow it to defend against longer-range and more sophisticated ballistic missiles that might be used by adversaries like Iran.

Qatar has strong military ties with the United States. The Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East and serves as a key operational hub for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The sale of THAAD to Qatar strengthens this strategic partnership and reflects the U.S. commitment to supporting its Gulf allies in defense against common threats. The U.S. has long provided military aid and weapons systems to its Gulf allies. Qatar’s purchase of THAAD, which was approved by the U.S. government, is part of this larger framework of military cooperation. It also underscores the U.S. desire to ensure that its allies have the necessary tools to defend themselves against regional threats.

Qatar has been significantly investing in modernizing its military, especially after the regional tensions with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf states during the 2017 Gulf crisis. Acquiring advanced weapons systems like THAAD is part of its strategy to enhance its defensive capabilities and ensure it can protect its sovereignty against both state and non-state actors. THAAD is one of the most advanced missile defense systems available. By acquiring it, Qatar demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced military capable of dealing with evolving threats.

The deployment of THAAD in Qatar is also part of the broader Gulf states’ efforts to build a regional defense architecture that can address missile threats from Iran and other actors. While political tensions between GCC members have sometimes hindered full coordination, THAAD in Qatar adds to the collective defense capabilities in the region. THAAD’s interoperability with other U.S.-made defense systems like the Patriot makes it a valuable asset not only for Qatar but also for potential coordination with other U.S. allies in the region. This interoperability strengthens the regional missile defense network, allowing for a more integrated approach to defense.

Qatar’s acquisition of the THAAD system is part of its broader efforts to strengthen its national security against regional missile threats, especially from Iran. By integrating THAAD into its defense infrastructure, Qatar is enhancing its ability to protect critical infrastructure, deter adversaries, and collaborate more effectively with the U.S. and regional allies. It also reflects Qatar’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its military and maintaining a strategic defense posture in an increasingly volatile region.