Qatar signs MoU for coastal missile system
MBDA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide a coastal defence system to the Qatar Emiri Naval Force (QENF), it announced on 30 March. The agreement is expected to pave the way for a $724 million contract for the company.
These systems are capable of deploying two different munitions – the Marte ER missile and Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missile.
The system can work by data-linking to a higher level within a wider coastal surveillance network or in autonomous mode with its own radar. QENF will use the missile systems to monitor maritime coastal traffic and engage hostile ships threatening their territorial waters.
The Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile is the latest-generation ship-borne version of the Exocet family in service with several navies. It provides enhanced operational performance and technology upgrades, with a mission planning software module that automatically computes engagement plans to support firing decisions.
The MARTE ER is a third-generation member of the MARTE family of missile systems, derived from the MARTE Mk2/S that is already in service with the Italian Navy on its NFH90 and AW101 helicopters. The ER features a turbo engine in place of the rocket motor used in the Mk2/S. It has a sea-skimming flight profile and mid autonomous mid-course guidance.
Antoine Bouvier, chief executive officer, MBDA, said: ‘This MoU represents the first step towards the signing of a contract for this new and innovative coastal missile system. This is a further confirmation of the trust placed by the Qatar Armed Forces in MBDA for its defence requirements.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
Singapore Navy receives new RO/RO civil resource ship
MV Mentor, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s new roll-on/roll-off ship, will enhance training and sealift capabilities while replacing the long-serving MV Avatar.
-
US Navy places small boat order worth up to $290 million
The Metal Shark 40 Defiant, a 40-foot, welded-aluminium pilothouse monohull patrol boat, features ballistic protection and can be armed with a range of remotely operated and crew-served weapons systems. The ReconCraft 40ft patrol boat is similar and offers waterjet, outboard and inboard/outboard propulsion.
-
How propulsion technology can improve vessel performance
Next-generation propellers have been designed to enhance range and speed while reducing fuel consumption.
-
Babcock to support design of Swedish Navy’s new Luleå-class surface combatant
It is believed the Luleå-class will be about 100m-long and displace about 3,000–4,000 tonnes. The ships will be designed to operate in the Baltics, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and will incorporate capabilities to conduct AAW, ASuW and ASW operations.
-
New UK support ships to go ahead, LPDs to remain in service
The Royal Navy is said to be looking to acquire a class of vessel capable of operating as a stand-alone platform in a highly contested environment, fitted with a range of weapons and sensors for self-defence.