Italy’s Fincantieri and Qatar’s Barzan Holdings Sign Partnership for Short-Range Anti-Drone Radar Development.

On October 22, 2024, Fincantieri signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barzan Holdings, Qatar’s defense procurement arm, for the joint development of the Omega360 short-range radar system. This advanced radar will serve as a key component of Qatar’s anti-drone defenses, targeting the increasing threat from unmanned aerial vehicles. The MoU involves the production of 40 radar units and represents a strategic step for Fincantieri in consolidating its presence in the Middle East, while enhancing Qatar’s defense capabilities amid regional security concerns.
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Fincantieri OMEGA 360 is a software-defined radar offering 360-degree coverage for advanced short-range anti-drone detection and tracking. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The new radar system will be designed to detect and neutralize small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which pose increasing regional threats. With drones being utilized in both combat and surveillance roles, enhancing the ability to track and engage such systems is critical for Qatar’s airspace security, especially around critical infrastructure and military installations.

This partnership is a crucial milestone in Fincantieri’s strategy to solidify its presence in the Gulf. It further deepens ties with Qatar and opens new commercial avenues in the region’s rapidly growing defense market. According to sources close to the deal, the radar development will leverage Fincantieri's expertise in advanced detection systems alongside Barzan Holdings' regional knowledge, with both companies expecting to deliver a sophisticated radar capable of addressing modern drone threats.

As part of the broader trend of Qatar’s defense modernization, this MoU reflects the Gulf nation’s strategy to equip its military with cutting-edge technologies in response to the evolving security landscape in the Middle East. The radar system will also play a key role in mitigating asymmetric warfare threats, particularly from small drones used by insurgent groups and in cyber-physical attacks. The deal signals Qatar’s continued investment in enhancing its defense capabilities amid regional tensions.

The surge in drone attacks in recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Israel, has accelerated the need for enhanced counter-drone technologies. In Ukraine, drones have played a pivotal role in both reconnaissance and targeted strikes, with small, commercially available drones being adapted for warfare. Similarly, during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the use of drones by militant groups has highlighted the vulnerability of civilian and military targets to low-cost, easily accessible UAVs. These developments underscore the growing demand for robust anti-drone systems like the one being developed by Fincantieri and Barzan Holdings. As drone technology becomes more advanced and accessible, nations are increasingly prioritizing the ability to defend against these emerging threats in the modern battlefield.

This collaboration between Italy and Qatar also comes at a time when drone warfare is increasingly shaping military strategies globally. By co-developing advanced anti-drone systems, both nations aim to create more robust security frameworks, and this partnership could pave the way for further joint ventures in other defense technologies.

In a statement, Fincantieri emphasized that this agreement strengthens its role in the Middle Eastern defense sector, creating new commercial opportunities in a vital region for global security. With this move, Qatar further solidifies its position as a key defense hub in the Gulf, expanding its technological capabilities to safeguard against modern threats.

The successful execution of this radar project will likely serve as a foundation for future defense collaborations between Europe and the Gulf, focusing on emerging technologies to combat unconventional warfare.