U.S. Approves Possible FS-LIDS Sale to Qatar

The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency has released this statement regarding the approved potential sale of Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) to Qatar. This system includes the AN/TPQ-50 air surveillance radar, counter-sUAS EW system and an electro-optic/infrared camera which can accurately track and target small UAS. This system can also be integrated with a 30mm chaingun, as the army has deployed it in Syria on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The full statement reads below:."The State Department has decided to approve a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar of the Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) System of Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today..The Government of Qatar has requested to buy ten (10) Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) System of Systems, to include: two hundred (200) Coyote Block 2 interceptors. Also included is the Counter Unmanned Electronic Warfare System (CUAEWS); Coyote launchers; Ku Band Multi-function Radio Frequency System (KuMRFS) radars; Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2); Counter Unmanned Electronic Warfare Systems (CUAEWS); EO/IR cameras; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; software delivery and support; facilities and construction support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; studies and surveys; maintenance services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $1 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 proposed sale will improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future threats by providing electronic and kinetic defeat capabilities against Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and/or services into its armed forces..The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region..The principal contractors will be Raytheon, Huntsville AL; SRC, Huntsville, AL; and Northrop Grumman, Huntsville, AL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale..Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of five (5) additional U.S. Government and fifteen (15) U.S. contractor representatives to Qatar for a duration of five (5) years to support fielding, training, and sustainment activities..There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale."