Qatar, MBDA sign coastal defence contract
MBDA will supply a coastal defence system for the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) under a contract signed on 1 September. The contract formalises an agreement signed in March.
The system will give the QENF greater capabilities to prevent hostile ships from reaching and threatening its territorial waters.
Defences will be based on two different missile types, the Extended Range version of the Marte missile (Marte ER) and the Exocet MM40 Block 3.
The missile system will be able to work in autonomous mode with its own radar, or by data-linking to a higher level within a wider coastal surveillance network.
Antoine Bouvier, CEO, MBDA, said: ‘I am delighted that Qatar has confirmed the trust placed in MBDA for its defence requirements, just a few months after signing the memorandum of understanding during DIMDEX exhibition.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.