Qatar aims to spend more than US$3.5 billion (Dh12.85bn) upgrading its military helicopter capability with orders for 22 Sikorsky Seahawk and 12 Black Hawk aircraft as well as a basket of weapons systems and support equipment from the United States.
Requests to approve the orders have already been placed before the US Congress by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political and economic progress in the Middle East," the DSCA told Congress in its submission.
"Qatar is host to … US forces and serves as a critical forward-deployed location in the region," the agency said. "The acquisition of these helicopters will allow for greater interoperability with US forces, providing benefits for training and possible future coalition operations in support of shared regional security objectives."
The 22 new Seahawks would replace the Qatar Air Force's 12-strong fleet of ageing British-manufactured Westland Sea King helicopters, which have until now formed the country's main anti-submarine and maritime patrol force.
"The 12 Black Hawks will improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its critical oil and natural gas infrastructure, and significant national events.
"Qatar will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defence," said the DSCA.
Qatar's full Seahawk shopping list includes: 10 MH-60R and 12 MH-60S Seahawk multi-mission helicopters; 48 T-700 GE 401C engines, with an option to purchase an additional six MH-60S aircraft and a further 13 T-700 GE 401C engines at a later date.
Communication equipment, spare engine containers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment and other items would also be included in the deal.
Prime contractors would be Sikorsky Aircraft, Lockheed Martin and General Electric, and the total contract would be valued at $2.5bn.
The Black Hawk order includes 12 helicopters and other military equipment worth a total of $1.1bn.
Qatar has expressed an interest in a technical assistance team for in-country pilot and maintenance training.
To support the requirement, a team of 12 would be deployed to Qatar for approximately three years, the DSCA said.
