Qatar continues to enhance counter-UAS capabilities as World Cup continues
Raytheon's Coyote C-UAS equipment is an integral part of the FS-LIDS system of systems. (Photo: Raytheon)
As the prevalence of military-grade and militarised COTS UAVs continues to grow, Qatar is set to expand its counter-UAS capabilities.
The US has approved the possible sale of the Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) systems of systems to Qatar for an estimated cost of $1 billion.
The FS-LIDS is a counter-small UAS kinetic system with multiple hardware and software parts that are interoperable.
Qatar has requested to buy ten FS-LIDS systems of systems which includes 200 Coyote Block 2 interceptors, an electronic warfare package, Coyote launchers, ku-band Multi-Function Radio Frequency System radars, Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control, EO/IR cameras and a range of support services and equipment.
The video above, produced by SRC Defense (a contributor to FS-LIDS), demonstrates the system of systems' utility.
The principal contractors in the deal are Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.
The Gulf country has been steadily enlarging its C-UAS capabilities, particularly in the run-up to the ongoing World Cup. One of the other systems at the heart of its C-UAS strategy is the Fortem SkyDome.
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