The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Wednesday that the US State Department approved the sale of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment to Qatar. The estimated value of the transaction is $1.96 billion.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the US DSCA stated, adding that the weapons will be used primarily to boost the country's homeland defense.
The agency also noted that the sale will "improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future threats by providing timely intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, target acquisition, counter-land, and counter-surface sea capabilities for its security and defense."
