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US Seals Historic Deal with Qatar for MQ-9B Reaper Drones and FS-LIDS Systems to Counter Emerging Threats.
During an official visit to Doha on May 14, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced signing several major economic agreements with Qatar, totaling more than $243.5 billion. These commitments are part of a broader bilateral framework aimed at stimulating U.S. economic growth, with the total projected value of economic exchanges between the two countries estimated at $1.2 trillion. Among the most notable deals were two significant defense agreements amounting to nearly $3 billion: a $2 billion contract with General Atomics for the supply of MQ-9B Reaper drones, and a $1 billion contract with Raytheon (RTX) for the delivery of counter-drone capabilities.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone developed by General Atomics to meet current demands for persistent multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) (Picture source: US DoD)
The General Atomics contract involves Qatar’s acquisition of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone system, a next-generation remotely piloted aircraft designed for multi-domain surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions. This agreement, signed between the U.S. and Qatari governments, is intended to enhance the operational capabilities of the Qatari Armed Forces while reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries. According to the White House, the system is among the most advanced of its kind, composed entirely of U.S.-made components. The U.S. State Department approved the sale in March 2025, authorizing the delivery of eight drones, hundreds of precision-guided bombs and missiles, radars, satellite communication systems, and full logistical support.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone developed by General Atomics to meet current demands for persistent multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). With an endurance of over 40 hours, a range exceeding 11,000 kilometers, and a service ceiling above 12,000 meters, it is designed for beyond-line-of-sight operations via dual satellite communications (SATCOM). The system is capable of all-weather operations, is compliant with civil airspace integration standards, and features automated takeoff and landing. Its airframe is built for a service life of 40,000 hours and is engineered to meet STANAG 4671 certification standards with a damage-tolerant design.
In terms of payload and sensors, the SkyGuardian has nine external hardpoints and a total external payload capacity of 2,155 kg, plus 363 kg internally. It can carry precision-guided munitions, maritime radars, electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGINT) equipment, and features a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system incorporating radar, TCAS, and ADS-B technologies. The platform is equipped with the Lynx® multi-mode radar and a high-definition electro-optical/infrared sensor, allowing real-time situational awareness both day and night. These capabilities support a wide range of missions, including ISR support, precision strike, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning, and communications relay.
In parallel, Raytheon secured a $1 billion contract to export its Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) to Qatar. Designed to intercept and neutralize low-flying, small unmanned aerial threats, FS-LIDS addresses an increasingly common threat on modern battlefields. Qatar becomes the first international customer for this system, which integrates electronic warfare tools, kinetic effectors, radar sensors, and interceptors. Approved by the U.S. State Department as early as November 2022, the deal reportedly includes around ten complete systems and one hundred interceptors. As with the MQ-9B agreement, this procurement aligns with efforts to enhance regional deterrence and support the U.S. defense industrial base.
U.S. authorities highlighted that these agreements will directly support high-skilled jobs across key sectors such as aerospace, defense electronics, and advanced manufacturing. According to the White House, a separate Boeing-GE deal signed during the same visit, involving the purchase of 210 aircraft for $96 billion by Qatar Airways, is expected to support 154,000 American jobs annually during production, totaling more than one million jobs over the lifecycle of the agreement.
Beyond their industrial implications, the agreements aim to deepen the security partnership between Washington and Doha. A joint statement of intent outlines over $38 billion in potential defense investments, including continued support for Al Udeid Air Base and future capabilities in air and maritime defense. Qatar, already the 12th largest U.S. Foreign Military Sales partner with active cases exceeding $26 billion, has also made substantial investments in U.S. energy infrastructure, over $18 billion since 2019, strengthening the resilience of the American energy sector.
Donald Trump’s visit to Qatar formalized several strategic contracts spanning aviation, defense, and emerging technologies. The deals involving MQ-9B drones and FS-LIDS systems reflect the growing security partnership between the United States and Qatar while reinforcing the U.S. defense industrial base. These commitments also underscore Qatar’s intent to modernize its armed forces through the acquisition of cutting-edge U.S. technology.