Raytheon signed a $1-billion deal with Qatar to deliver the FS-LIDS counter-drone technology, making Doha the system’s first international customer.
Raytheon has signed a $1-billion agreement with Qatar to deliver the Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS), making Doha the system’s first international customer.
The agreement includes production work in the US, contributing to engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The technology is designed to detect, track, and neutralize small, slow-moving drones.
It integrates radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and effectors, such as jamming or kinetic interceptors, to respond to unmanned aerial threats.
Raytheon combines its KuRFS radar and Coyote interceptor with Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control for the counter-drone system.
The LIDS can be deployed in fixed and mobile configurations, offering protection for specific sites or assets while allowing for flexible relocation as operational needs change.
Boosting Ties With Doha
The announcement is part of a wider defense procurement agreement to support the Gulf nation, one of Washington's closest allies in the Middle East.
In addition to the FS-LIDS agreement, Washington and Doha signed a statement of intent outlining over $38 billion in potential defense-related investments.
These include joint efforts to enhance air and maritime security, as well as support for operations at Al Udeid Air Base.
In March, General Atomics signed a nearly $2-billion agreement with the Qatari government to supply eight MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft systems through a US government-facilitated deal.
The MQ-9B is a long-endurance, multi-mission drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike operations.
