Qatar eyes Russian S-400 missile systems
Qatar is finalising a deal to buy Russian S-400 air defence systems, the Gulf state's ambassador to Moscow announced on 25 January.
Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Qatar's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Russia, said: ‘Negotiations in this direction are in an advanced stage.’
Talks were also ongoing for the purchase of ‘ground force technologies,’ he added.
The announcement came after the visit of Saudi Arabia's King Salman to Moscow in 2017, when Riyadh signed preliminary agreements to buy the Almaz-Antey S-400 Triumf air defence systems and anti-tank guided missile systems.
Led by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar in June 2017 over Doha's alleged ties to Islamist extremists and Shiite Iran.
Qatar denies the charges. It has stepped up diplomatic and trade efforts elsewhere in a bid to counter its regional isolation.
In December 2017, Russia announced it had completed negotiations with Turkey for the sale of an S-400 air defence missile system, raising eyebrows among Turkey's NATO partners.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Rheinmetall completes qualification rounds for new kinetic tank ammo]()
Rheinmetall completes qualification rounds for new kinetic tank ammo
The company was commissioned to provide qualification samples of the new ammunition to the German Defence Forces and the British Army.
-
S-MET competitors outline bids
The US Army’s Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport Increment II (S-MET II) is a follow-on from S-MET Increment I (S-MET I) and will provide a larger and more capable vehicle.
-
![Northrop Grumman adds AI to air defence controller for improved CUAS capability]()
Northrop Grumman adds AI to air defence controller for improved CUAS capability
Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defence (FAAD) Advanced Battle Manager (ABM) system continuously monitors the battlespace, replans engagements as necessary and supports multiple weapon types.
-
![Lithuania turns to Saab and Kongsberg to improve air defences]()
Lithuania turns to Saab and Kongsberg to improve air defences
Lithuania has placed a second order for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems and expects to begin receiving systems from its first order next year.
-
![Singapore enhances air defence coverage for army forces in the field]()
Singapore enhances air defence coverage for army forces in the field
The adapted SPYDER system extends the reach and lethality of the air defence coverage of army units in their area of operations.
