US approves possible $1.96 billion MQ-9B drone sale for Qatar
Qatar wants to acquire eight MQ-9B SkyGuardians. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
Qatar moves one step closer towards acquiring the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, as the Trump administration shows a renewed interest selling the platforms to countries in the Middle East.
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Qatar for eight General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SkyGuardian uncrewed aerial systems.
The sale, with an estimated cost of US$1.96 billion, covers the MQ-9B drone, alongside related equipment including 300 general purpose bombs and 110 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) the drones will improve Qatar’s “capability to meet current and future threats by providing timely intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, target acquisition, counter-land and counter-surface sea capabilities for its security and defence”.
The drones, DSCA added, would be primarily used to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs
Shephard spoke with Rafael’s CEO about the company’s effector offerings as well as his perspective on one-way attack drones.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
