The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar for continuation of logistics support services and equipment. The estimated cost is $700 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 7, 2016.
The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of continued logistics support for eight (8) C-17 aircraft which will include contract labor for sustainment engineering, on-site COMSEC support, Quality Assurance, support equipment repair, supply chain management, spares replenishment, maintenance, back shop support, and centralized maintenance support/associated services. Required upgrades will include fixed installation satellite antenna, Mode 5+ installation and sustainment, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out, and two special operations loading ramps. The estimated total cost is $700 million.
The proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the U.S. by helping to improve the security of an important regional ally. Qatar is a vital partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The C-17 provides a heavy airlift capability and complements the normal, day-to-day operations of the Government of Qatar’s C-130J fleet. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The proposed sale will enhance Qatar’s ability to operate and maintain its C-17s, supporting its capability to provide humanitarian aid in the Middle East and Africa region and support its troops in coalition operations. Qatar's current contract supporting its C-17 fleet will expire in September of 2017.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be the Boeing Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. The U.S. Government is not aware of any known offsets associated with this sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of this sale will require the assignment of approximately five additional U.S. Government and approximately 50 contractor representatives to Qatar.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness, as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.