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
-
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?