(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Despite its small size in the Gulf region, the wealthy nation of Qatar has, in recent years, possessed the most powerful early warning radar complex in the area, providing the Arab nation with “total protection” against any threats.
This Qatar Early Warning Radar Complex has been equipped with the “A/N FPS-132 Block 5 Early Warning Radar,” supplied by the American defense firm, Raytheon Technologies, at a cost of US$1.1 billion (RM4.95 billion).
The contract for the early warning radar was signed in 2017, and the construction of the complex is expected to take four years.
However, as is typical with sensitive defense infrastructure projects, detailed information about the Qatar Early Warning Radar Complex is scarce.
The A/N FPS-132 Block 5 radar is notably powerful, designed to detect and monitor the launch of ballistic missiles from distances up to 3,000 miles or 4,828 kilometers in real-time.
This means that any missile launches or aircraft presence within this range can be detected by the Qatari early warning radar.
Furthermore, Qatar’s early warning radar system will be integrated with the country’s air defense system layers, ensuring the small but affluent Gulf nation remains safe from any threats from land, air, and sea.
The air defense network of Qatar includes the Patriot air defense system, supplied by Washington.
Although Qatar maintains a close relationship with the United States, hosting thousands of its troops at several bases like Al Udeid, it also cultivates friendships with other regional powers such as Iran and Turkey.
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Additionally, Qatar is home to the headquarters of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
In recent years, Qatar, which has been improving its previously strained relations with Saudi Arabia, has enhanced its military capabilities by acquiring fighter jets such as the Rafale, F-15QA, and Eurofighter Typhoon.
Qatar also maintains a good relationship with Turkey, with Ankara deploying its military forces in the Gulf country, in addition to training Qatari special forces and police units. — DSA