Qatar set to become second THAAD export customer

Qatar is likely to become the second export customer for the Lockheed Martin Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system. On 2 November, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency notified Congress of the possible Foreign Military Sale to the government of Qatar of two THAAD fire units, 12 THAAD launchers, 150 THAAD interceptor missiles, two THAAD fire- control and communications stations, two AN/TPY-2 THAAD radars, and one early-warning radar (EWR) of unspecified type.

The AN/TPY-2 was developed to handle long-range missile detection tasks and has a maximum detection range of 1,000 km. It is not clear why Qatar needs an additional EWR or what role this may eventually play in providing missile-warning data for the US missile defence system.

AN/TPY-2 radars are already stationed in the Negev region of Israel (reportedly on Mount Keren) and in Turkey to handle early-warning duties, and reports in the international press in mid-2012 indicated the United States intended to install an AN/TPY-2 missile warning radar in Qatar.

Also included in the proposed sale to Qatar are fire-unit maintenance equipment, prime movers (trucks), generators, electrical power units, trailers, communications equipment, tools, test, and maintenance equipment, and system integration and checkout.