Qatar Receives US Approval to Acquire Eight MQ-9B Drones to Enhance Surveillance Capabilities.

On March 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for the acquisition of MQ-9B drones and associated equipment, with an estimated value of $1.96 billion. The notification was submitted to Congress the same day by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), in accordance with regulatory procedures governing such strategic transactions between the United States and its international partners.

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The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a next-generation drone developed for long-endurance ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) operations, with a flight autonomy exceeding 40 hours, including in adverse weather conditions. (Picture source: US DoD)

According to the information released, Qatar has requested the purchase of eight MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and precision strike missions. The order includes a significant quantity of armaments and onboard sensors: two hundred KMU-572 tail kits for JDAM-guided bombs (GBU-38 or laser-guided GBU-54), three hundred BLU-111 500-lb general-purpose bombs, one hundred MXU-650 airfoil groups for the Paveway II GBU-12, and one hundred MAU-169 computer control groups for the same munition. For navigation and positioning, the order includes twenty-eight EGI security devices with integrated GPS and M-Code modules, along with twelve devices featuring SAASM technology.

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a next-generation drone developed for long-endurance ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) operations, with a flight autonomy exceeding 40 hours, including in adverse weather conditions. Operated via satellite, it is capable of beyond-line-of-sight missions and compliant with NATO STANAG 4671 and international civil airspace regulations. With a wingspan of 24 meters, the SkyGuardian is equipped with the Lynx multi-mode radar, a high-performance electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, automatic takeoff and landing capabilities, and a certifiable detect-and-avoid system. Its open architecture design allows the integration of various payloads, including sensors, electronic warfare systems, and weapons.

The MQ-9B can be configured for multiple mission types, including maritime surveillance (via the SeaGuardian kit), anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strategic ISR, early warning, and humanitarian operations. It features nine hardpoints (eight under the wings and one centerline) supporting an external payload capacity of up to 2,155 kg, enabling integration of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, JDAMs, Paveway II bombs, and customized national systems. Its interoperability and multi-domain capabilities make it a modular and adaptable platform for complex operational environments.

As part of the package, Qatar will receive ten Lynx AN/APY-8 Synthetic Aperture Radars, ten L3 Rio Grande communications intelligence (COMINT) suites, one hundred ten AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles, and eight M36E9 inert Hellfire training missiles. Additional non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) items include Honeywell TPE-331 turboprop engines, certifiable ground control stations, FMU-139D/B fuzing systems, DSU-38 laser sensors for GBU-54 bombs, KY-100M crypto terminals, AN/PYQ-10 key loaders, KIV-77 Mode 5 IFF cryptographic modules, IPS-250X cybersecurity devices, and CCM-700A COMSEC chips.

The sale also includes a broad array of communication and targeting systems: AN/DPX-7 IFF transponders, Link-16 KOR-24A tactical terminals, SAGE and AE-4500 electronic surveillance systems, Compact Multi-band Data Link (CMDL), ROVER 6Si-compatible video systems, CMBRE Plus Block II test equipment, MAGNA-I anti-jam GPS antennas, EO/IR Multi-Spectrum Targeting Systems, AESA SeaSpray 7500 maritime radars, Due Regard Radar (DRR), AIS transponders, Rohde & Schwarz VHF/UHF radios, SATCOM ground stations with encrypted USG modems, Ku-Band GA-ASI GATES transportable earth stations, DSU-33D/B bomb components, and M299 Longbow Hellfire launchers.

Additional support includes weapons loading equipment, spare and repair parts, maintenance accessories, repair and return services, weapons integration, test and support equipment, technical documentation, personnel training, logistics and engineering support from the U.S. government and contractors, as well as studies and other program support services.

This proposed sale is aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives aimed at enhancing the security of a partner deemed stable and strategically relevant in the Middle East. It is intended to improve Qatar’s ability to address present and future threats, particularly through the acquisition of intelligence, surveillance, and strike capabilities across both land and maritime domains. The State Department noted that this acquisition would not affect the regional military balance and that the Qatari Armed Forces would be capable of integrating these systems into their operational structure.

The principal contractors involved are General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (Poway, CA), Lockheed Martin (Bethesda, MD), RTX Corporation (Waltham, MA), L3Harris (Melbourne, FL), Boeing (Arlington, VA), and Leonardo SpA (Rome, Italy). No offset agreements have been announced at this stage. Any such arrangements would be subject to direct negotiations between Qatar and the companies involved.

The implementation of this sale does not require additional deployment of U.S. government or contractor personnel to Qatar. No negative impact on U.S. defense readiness is anticipated.

It is noted that the $1.96 billion estimate represents the maximum potential value based on initial requirements. The final cost may be lower depending on final contract terms, budget availability, and negotiated agreements.

The U.S. State Department’s approval marks a major procurement effort by Qatar, focused on acquiring MQ-9B drones and a full suite of armaments, sensors, and support systems. The transaction reflects a broader strategy to strengthen operational capabilities in a region characterized by ongoing security challenges and is part of the longstanding strategic partnership between Doha and Washington.