US approves to sell advanced drones, weapons worth $2bn to Qatar

Washington: The United States has approved the sale of advanced defense equipment worth about $2 billion to Qatar.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the deal includes eight MQ-9B drones, 500-pound bombs, radar, satellite communications, and targeting systems, with an original value of $1.96 billion.

Qatar will be provided with US training and technical assistance for the effective use of this equipment.

According to US officials, the deal will strengthen Qatar’s defense capabilities. It will improve its surveillance capabilities to address threats facing Qatar. The military equipment will be used primarily for the protection and security of Qatar’s territory.

The US assured other countries in the region that the deal would not affect the military balance of the region.

The deal involves two major US defense companies, General Atomics and Lockheed Martin, which will provide the equipment.