MBDA to supply missiles to Qatar
MBDA Italia has received a contract worth around $1.12 billion to supply the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) with missiles for their new Fincantieri naval vessels, it announced on 29 June.
The contract will see MBDA deliver Aster 30 Block 1 and VL Mica air defence missiles as well as Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles. The contract falls under the framework agreement signed between Italy and Qatar.
Antonio Perfetti, managing director, MBDA Italia, said: 'This contract represents a further confirmation of the significant role that MBDA plays in the missile sector, not only in Europe, but also worldwide. It is proof of MBDA’s capability, thanks to its very comprehensive portfolio of world class solutions, of being able to address the most stringent and diverse of customer missile systems requirements. The contract consolidates MBDA’s highly valued partnership with Qatar and is further proof also of the value of the solutions offered by the company to meet its customers’ requirements.'
The Aster 30 Block 1 is a surface-to-air short to long range missile designed to combat high-speed threats such as combat aircraft, cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles and unmanned combat air vehicles. The VL Mica is a short-range, fire-and-forget missile that can be fitted with a heat-seeking homing head or an active radar.
The Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missile is a ship-borne missile with a mission planning software module that automatically calculates engagement plans to support firing decisions.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
-
![MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog]()
MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
