Fincantieri signs naval MoU with Qatar MoD
Fincantieri has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Qatar through Barzan Holding for Qatar Emiri Naval Forces support, the company announced on 24 January.
Barzan Holding is owned by the Qatari MoD, and is responsible for strengthening the military capabilities of the national armed force in the state.
According to Fincantieri the MoU could lead to ‘a future acquisition of new vessels’ in 2020.
The programmes covered by the MoU include, among others, the design, construction and management of the naval base; whole warship fleet management; the application of new technologies such as digital radar and cybersecurity; as well as the supply of naval vessels and submarines.
In the context of further strengthening its positioning in the Middle East, Fincantieri has established Fincantieri Services Middle East in Doha, which will be the focal point for all the services and after sales activities on the naval vessels built by the group for Qatar.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.