Qatar: the road Leclerc tanks

Forty vehicles of the 1st Regiment of Chasseurs (first RCh) Thierville-sur-Meuse began a journey on rail and sea Destination Qatar Gulf Falcon for the year 2013.

Friday, January 11, 2013, it is 5:10 p.m. station in Verdun. The lights illuminate the train platforms. On board, forty vehicles first RCh including 16 Leclerc tanks and 13 light armored vehicles (LAV). They are ready to change for the sandy dunes of the desert Qatari Gulf Falcon for the year 2013, February 16, March 7.

Embedded with care and control by soldiers of the 1st RCh aboard a train, the pier military Thierville-sur-Meuse, the 1771 tons of material will travel nearly 900km to the port of Toulon (Var). A unique experience for young drivers, recently consolidated regiment, which had for the first time on a tank maneuver their platform.

Once arrived at Toulon, vehicles will be escorted by military maritime transit 519th Group (519eGTM), responsible for transport by sea.

Navantia Offers Combat Ship and LPD to Phillipines

Navantia Cantabria offers a low cost to Norway


Navantia needs to increase its business, currently based in the maintenance of Navy ships and the construction of two amphibious ships similar to Juan Carlos I to Australia, the first of which was delivered in October 2012. A low workload for its three shipyards that is taking to strengthen its commercial activities, supported by the Ministry of Defence.


Philipppines

Sources Navantia Athena also explained that the company could also sell their ships in the Philippines, as the country has been interested in the patrol and amphibious Avante 1800 Athlas 8000.

Norway

While waiting for Turkey to make known, expected in January, which company will participate in the construction of their new amphibious ship, for which Navantia is one of the favorites, the shipping company has sent its proposal to the Norwegian Navy for construction of a logistical support vessel, low budget, similar in concept to Spanish Cantabria.

Elaborate a proposal to win this contest has remained unsuccessful in the first round, since none of the 13 yards that presented their projects met the ceiling Norwegian government budget, set at 150 million euros. The reason is that technical requirements are such that their manufacturing cost that was unfeasible.

In the new Specification, Norway has slashed the baseline characteristics of the vessel which has allowed to submit a proposal Navantia very tailored to the needs of their navy, according to Athena explained company sources.

However, competition with shipyards in Germany, France and Italy suggests that it will be difficult to win a contract. Yes, to be with him, is expected to be awarded this year, would be a heavy workload for Ferrol shipyard, as published by La Voz de Galicia.

Qatar - HIMARS, ATACMS, and GMLRS

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Dec. 21 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for rocket and missile systems and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $406 million.

The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of 7 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Launchers with the Universal Fire Control System (UFCS); 60 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block 1A T2K Unitary Rockets (60 pods, 1 rocket per pod); 360 M31A1 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary Rockets (60 pods, 6 rockets per pod); 180 M28A2 Reduced Range Practice Rockets (30 pods, 6 rockets per pod); 7 M68A2 Trainers, 1 Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS); 2 M1151A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV); and 2 M1152A2 HMMWVs. Also included are simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles, communications equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $406 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner which has been, and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

U.S. arms to Gulf allies hint of strategy

The largest infusion of U.S. arms ever for Persian Gulf allies has shifted more toward offensive weapons at the same time that President Obama’s military strategy says it will rely more on allied firepower in any future war.

The only war on the horizon for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and four other Gulf coalition partners would be with nearby Iran.
Noting U.S. sales of air defense-penetrating F-16s and F-15s, satellite-guided bombs and a pending order for ordnance that can burrow deep and then explode, analysts say Gulf nations could participate in a U.S. air campaign to strike Iran’s nuclear sites.
These American-armed nations could either be part of an overall war plan or be forced to enter the battle once Iran counterattacks, as expected, with missile launches.
“The thinking certainly is that Iran would retaliate against the Gulf states, or at least against the facilities in the Gulf that we use,” said Kenneth Katzman, a Middle East analyst at the Congressional Research Service. “That would certainly draw the Gulf states into any conflict that went on. The Gulf might become embroiled in this conflict, and I think they’ve calculated it’s best to be prepared.”
There has been public focus on the U.S. military buildup in the Gulf — more aircraft carriers, warplanes and strike groups studded with Tomahawk cruise missiles; more minesweeping ships; a visit by Air Force F-22 stealth jets; and thousands of Army soldiers positioned in Kuwait.
But just as methodically, the George W. Bush and Obama administrations have approved a series of large arms sales that are giving some oil-rich Gulf states offensive capabilities that would make Iran think twice about an attack.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta underscored the alliance Dec. 11 when he landed in Kuwait, a staunch Gulf ally, for consultations. He also spoke to some of the 13,500 U.S. troops stationed there.
“Our presence in Kuwait and throughout the Gulf helps advance the capabilities of partnering nations, deters aggression and helps ensure we’re better able to respond to crisis in the region,” Mr. Panetta told reporters beforehand.
At a Kuwait air base, he said America has 50,000 troops and an armada of warships in the region.

Two Powers, Qatar And Iran, Try To Sway Hamas

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--The courtship of Hamas between rivals Iran and Qatar has been one of the Middle East's intriguing subplots of the Arab Spring. The bloodshed in Gaza has now sharpened their competition for influence with the Palestinian militant group and the direction it takes in the future.
Qatar has sought to use its vast wealth to win over Hamas with investments and humanitarian aid and encouraging Arab partners to do the same — part of the hyper-rich U.S. allied nation's broader campaign to bring under its wing Islamist movements that have risen to power in the region the past two years. Qatar's influence with Hamas could edge it away from armed action toward diplomacy.
Iran, meanwhile, is invigorating its longtime role as the builder of the rocket arsenal for Hamas' military wing.
For Hamas, there are benefits in both directions — and it's happy to play both sides. During a celebration rally in Gaza City after an Egyptian-mediated cease-fire came into place ending fighting between Israel and Hamas, Gazans wildly waved flags of Qatar, along with those of Egypt and Turkey, in gratitude for those countries' diplomatic support.
At the same time, Hamas' leader-in-exile Khaled Mashaal, who is based out of Qatar, gave a very public thanks to Iran for standing by Gaza with crucial military assistance. Fighters in Gaza also hailed the new reach of their arsenal, with Iranian-designed Fajr-5 rattling Israel by reaching the outskirts of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

UAE, Qatar seek advanced US missile defense system

Pentagon confirms request of up to $7.6 billion in Lockheed missile-defense system to counter growing regional threats.

 

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have requested the sale of up to $7.6 billion in Lockheed Martin Corp missile-defense systems to counter perceived threats and lower their dependence on US forces, the Pentagon announced on Monday.

The sale is part of Washington's ongoing effort to deepen its cooperation with Gulf nations on missile defense and increase pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which oversees foreign arms sales, formally notified lawmakers on Friday that it had approved the possible sales, which come against the backdrop of heightened tensions with Iran.
Lawmakers now have 30 days to block the potential sales although such action is rare since deals are carefully vetted with lawmakers weeks before the notifications are posted.
Lockheed told reporters in August that Saudi Arabia and its closest regional partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council had shown interest in the company's Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon systems.

Qatar: The internal security services are acquiring armored vehicles and Sherpa Higuard RTD

At Milipol Qatar 2012, the French Company Renault Trucks Defense presents the first delivery of its Higuard MRAP mine protected vehicle to the Qatari Internal Security Services. Qatar is to be the launch customer for Renault Trucks Défense's Higuard mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP)-style vehicle.

This first order from the Qatari Internal Security Services covers the delivery of 22 of the 6x6 Higuard vehicles and five 4x4 Sherpa light armoured personnel carriers between 2012 and 2013.

The HIGUARD vehicle is derived from a Sherpa medium 6x6. This vehicle can provide very high levels of protection in certain configurations and can transport up to twelve fully-equipped personnel. Its dissuasive silhouette makes it highly suitable to law enforcement units.

Renault Trucks Defense and Acmat Defense are attending Milipol exhibition held at Doha, Qatar from 8 to 10 October. At Milipol Qatar the two Companies present a full range of vehicles for police and security forces as the MIDS Police, Midlum Security and Public Order Vehicle, Sherpa Police with assault ladder and the protected ALTV Station Wagon.

Milipol Qatar: more than 71 million of contracts

The Qatar Ministry of Interior announced that it has signed contracts worth $ 71.8 million from various businesses Milipol Qatar this year, one of the largest international exhibition in the Middle East dedicated to States Homeland Security. During the closing evening, the President of Milipol Qatar, Nasser bin Fahad Al Thani said this ninth edition was a great success with over 5,820 visitors from 66 countries attending the show this year, up 5.5 % over the 2010 edition.

The Qatari Internal Security Forces, nicknamed Lekhwiya, signed a contract worth 15 million euros with the French Renault Truks Defense to supply 27 military vehicles (22 vehicles Higuard 6X6 MRAP derived from Sherpa and Sherpa 5 4x4 light) for special operations and patrols. Other contracts with French companies, the subsidiary of Safran Morpho (Sagem) a market leader in security solutions has won a contract worth over a million euros for the supply of 60 units MorphoRapID the police Qatar, a portable device for verification of personal identity through biometrics. This terminal provides real-time identification of any person by face recognition, thanks to a built-in digital camera and fingerprint recognition, via a sensor located on the top. The captured data is immediately compared with the advanced telecommunications to a central database.

Financing networks: a former head of the DST involves the Qatar and Saudi

The former head of the DST (Directorate of Territorial Surveillance) Yves Bonnet Monday blamed the drug money as well as that of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in financing radical Islamist networks.

In an interview published Monday by the Depeche du Midi, M. Bonnet believes that these networks raise the issue of drug trafficking but he said "there is also the problem of money that is allocated by country Salafists."

"We dare not mention Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but it might also be that these brave people stop feeding their funds a number of actions concern," said he.

"It will take a day to open the file as Qatar where there is a real problem. And I do not care about the results of Paris Saint-Germain," he said.

Investment projects in Qatar in France raise questions in the political class. After investing in Paris Saint-Germain, in the purchase of TV broadcasting rights, then the art market, Qatar could dedicate an investment fund of 50 to 100 million euros in French suburbs.

U.S., Gulf countries seek to advance missile defense plan

The United States and its Gulf partners are looking to deepen cooperation on missile defense as tensions rise with Iran, and announcements could come soon on new purchases, U.S. officials said on Friday.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials in New York as Washington seeks to boost regional defenses against perceived Iranian threats.
"Our aim is to help our Gulf partners with their defense needs ... there is a missile threat that they face, we want to help them face that threat as best they can," one senior U.S. official said, previewing the meeting for reporters.
"We've had expressions of interest from our partners in the Gulf in additional missile defense capabilities," the official said. "We hope that we will be having announcements in the near future regarding those expressions of interest."
The official declined to provide specifics on the plans with the GCC, a political and economic alliance linking Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.
But Lockheed Martin Corp, the Pentagon's top supplier by sales, received an initial $1.96 billion contract in December for two of its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon systems for the United Arab Emirates, the first foreign sale of the system.
Lockheed has said other GCC members, including Saudi Arabia, have expressed interest. Other leading missile-defense contractors include Boeing Co, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman Corp.
Friday's talks reflect the increased tempo of U.S. efforts to put pressure on Tehran, which the United States and its allies say is seeking nuclear weapons capability under the cover of a civil program. Iran denies this, but has been hit with a series of international sanctions over its nuclear work.
SECURITY UMBRELLA

Qatar calls for military intervention in Syria Arab

The Qatar called on Tuesday 25 September, the General Assembly of the UN military intervention in Arab Syria to put an end to what the Secretary General of the UN Ban Ki-moon has called "regional disaster with global implications " .

Noting that "all means were employed (...) in vain" , the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifaal-Thani, called for "Arab countries involved themselves in accordance with their national duties, humanitarian , policy and military do what it takes to put an end to the bloodshed in Syria " .

Qatar, which supports the opposition Syrian President Bashar al-Assad , made ​​reference to a"previous" , the decisive intervention by the Arab League in Lebanon in 1976 to try to put an end to the Lebanese civil war. Arab deterrent force of 30,000 men - composed mostly of Syrian troops - had been sent to Lebanon in October 1976. Secretary General of the UN has called on his side action of the Security Council to put an end to the violence that killed more than 29,000 dead in 18 months. "This is a serious and growing threat to international peace and security which demands the attention of the Security Council " , he said, calling for penny t ENIR efforts mediator Lakhdar Brahimi .

Syrian folder is blocked in the Security Council because of opposition from China and Russia , faithful allies of the Syrian regime of sanctions against Damascus. These countries have blocked three times resolutions. "We must put an end to violence and the flow of arms to both sides andput in place as soon as possible a transition led by the Syrians themselves " , said Mr. Ban.

In total, Tuesday, 114 people, including 61 civilians, were killed across the country, according to the OSDH. Hundred and sixteen people were killed yesterday, including 12 children.

German media said that Qatar intends to purchase 200 Leopard -2 tanks

Saudi Arabia expressed interest in the purchase of military weapons do not A month later, Qatar, which seeks to purchase of 200 Leopard 2 (Leopard 2) tanks from Germany, the total price of $ 2.46 billion.
“Der Spiegel” reported that representatives of the German defense company Krauss – Maffei Wegman has been to the related issues of the arrangement agreement in the Qatari capital, and the sales to the German Prime Minister Merck Seoul’s support. However, some German lawmakers that the military procurement in violation of the guidelines to the authoritarian government of selling arms.

Qatar Emiri Air Force selects PC-21 Training System

 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is proud to announce that the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) has awarded a contract to Pilatus for the procurement of a complete PC-21 Training System, consisting of a fleet of 24 PC-21 trainer aircraft, a suite of Ground Based Training System assets and an extensive logistics support and maintenance package.
The QEAF selected the PC-21 as their fixed wing basic and advanced training aircraft, after a thorough evaluation both in Switzerland and in Qatar. The PC-21 was deemed to be the very best aircraft and Training System of all options available on the market today. The PC-21 will support the training of their young aviators in the newly established Air Force Academy in Qatar. The QEAF Air Academy will receive their first aircraft in the middle of 2014 and training will start mid-2015. Operations will be directly supported by Pilatus under a long-term performance based support contract.
With the Qatar Emiri Air Force, Pilatus has added yet another new customer to the fold and we are delighted to welcome them to the growing ranks of world class Air Forces operating our platforms. We are also

A U.S. anti-missile radar in Qatar

The United States began construction of a radar station on a secret site in Qatar to serve as an early warning for missile launches from Iran, said on Tuesday the Wall Street Journal.

This measure aims to "reassure Israel and other allies worried by showing that the Pentagon is taking steps to counter Iran after months of negotiations with Tehran apparently sterile on its nuclear program," the newspaper said. The early warning radar to be commissioned in Qatar should identify and track the trajectory of ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory.

A similar radar is already deployed on Mount Keren in the Negev Desert (Israel) since 2008 and another is installed in Turkey under the NATO missile shield. These radars are coupled to interceptors aboard U.S. ships crossing in the eastern Mediterranean. NATO must also deploy other missile defense system in Poland and Romania.

The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon could deploy the THAAD missile defense system, which intercepts missiles at high altitudes, in coming months, probably in the Emirates. Tensions remain high in the Gulf and Iran. The United States has significantly strengthened its military presence in the region and it warned Tehran that any attempt to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be a "red line".

Qatar to Buy MH-60R and MH-60S Helicopters in a Possible $2.5 Billion Deal

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress June 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government Qatar of 10 MH-60R SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters, 12 MH-60S SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters with the Armed Helicopter Modification Kit, 48 T-700 GE 401C Engines (44 installed and 4 spare) with an option to purchase an additional 6 MH-60S SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters with the Armed Helicopter Modification Kit and 13 T-700 GE 401C Engines. The estimated cost is $2.5 billion. 

The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of 10 MH-60R SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters, 12 MH-60S SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters with the Armed Helicopter Modification Kit, 48 T-700 GE 401C Engines (44 installed and 4 spare) with an option to purchase an additional 6 MH-60S SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters with the Armed Helicopter Modification Kit and 13 T-700 GE 401C Engines (12 installed and 1 spare) at a later date, communication equipment, spare engine containers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $2.5 billion. 

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. Qatar is a strategic partner in maintaining stability in the region. The acquisition of these helicopters will allow for greater interoperability with U.S. forces, providing benefits for training and possible future coalition operations in support of shared regional security objectives. 

The proposed sale of the MH-60R and MH-60S SEAHAWK helicopters will improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future anti-surface warfare threats. Qatar will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense. The MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters will supplement and eventually replace the Qatar Air Force's aging maritime patrol helicopters. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces. 

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. 

The prime contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut, Lockheed Martin in Owego, New York, and General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. 

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of fifteen contractor representatives to Qatar on an intermittent basis over the life of the case to support delivery of the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters and provide support and equipment familiarization. 

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Black Hawk Infiltrates Qatar

Persian Gulf state of Qatar has ordered twelve American UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters, to replace their aging British Sea Kings. The UH-60Ms would be equipped with radar and a six barrel 7.62mm machine-guns and used for coastal patrol, as well as for moving personnel and cargo.
 
The UH-60M features several improvements over the earlier 60L model, including new rotor blades (more reliable, and provide 227 kg/500 pounds of additional lift), an all-electronic cockpit (putting all needed information on four full-color displays), an improved autopilot (which will fly the chopper if the pilot is injured and unable to), improved flight controls (making flying easier, especially in stressful situations), a stronger fuselage, more efficient navigation system, better infrared suppression (making it harder for heat seeking missiles to hit), and more powerful engines.
 
The oldest model, the UH-60As, will continue to serve until the last of them is retired in 2025. By then, all UH-60s will be L or M models. The last major upgrade of the Black Hawk was in the late 1980s, when the UH-60L was introduced. The M version, which will cost about $40 million each, will make the UH-60 viable into the 2020s.
 
Qatar is still buying European helicopters, having ordered 18 AW139 transport helicopters, for about $22 million each, four years ago. This eight ton chopper can carry up to 15 passengers, and can get by with just one pilot. Cruise speed is 288 kilometers an hour and endurance averages 3.2 hours. The AW149, a military version of the AW139, will be available in four years. The AW139 competes with the U.S. UH-60 and another European helicopter, the slightly larger NH90. The Qataris have seen a lot of UH-60s in the past decade because of an agreement that allows some American troops to be based in Qatar.

Qatar - UH-60M BLACK HAWK Helicopters

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on June 12 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar of 12 UH-60M BLACK HAWK Utility Helicopters, 26 T700-GE-701D Engines (24 installed and 2 spares), 15 AN/AAR-57 V(7) Common Missile Warning Systems, 15 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets, 15 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 26 M240H Machine Guns, and 26 AN/AVS-6 Night Vision Goggles. The estimated cost is $1.112 billion.

The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of 12 UH-60M BLACK HAWK Utility Helicopters, 26 T700-GE-701D Engines (24 installed and 2 spares), 15 AN/AAR-57 V(7) Common Missile Warning Systems, 15 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets, 15 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 26 M240H Machine Guns, and 26 AN/AVS-6 Night Vision Goggles. Also included are M206 infrared countermeasure flares, M211 and M212 Advanced Infrared Countermeasure Munitions (AIRCM) flares, M134D-H Machine Guns, system integration and air worthiness certification, simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles and organization equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $1.112 billion.

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. Qatar is host to the U.S. AFCENT forces and serves as a critical forward-deployed location in the region. The proposed sale of the UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopters 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 defense. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.