US report: Qatar frustrated by Washington’s unresponsiveness in selling drones

The Qatari government is frustrated that the United States did not respond to Doha’s request to sell four armed MQ-9B drones after it made an official request over a year ago to purchase the drones, the Wall Street newspaper reported.

• America refuses to respond to Qatar’s request to buy armed drones

• Qatar’s Emir orders a cabinet reshuffle

Although Doha submitted its request more than a year ago, the US State Department did not act on Qatar’s request, and officials refused to disclose the reason, according to the newspaper.

The newspaper quoted Qatari officials as saying that they will use drones to monitor vast natural gas facilities to prevent terrorist activity, and in other areas to monitor the threats posed by terrorists in the region. Qatar will also host the World Cup soccer tournament next year, which Qatari officials believe requires more vigilance against terrorist activities.

“Armed drones, according to Qatari and U.S. officials, are estimated to cost about $600 million, which would give the Qataris a stronger defense capability in the region and could help the United States prevent threats posed by Iran, according to U.S. officials and defense experts.”

• Qatar’s Ambassador to Egypt : Says Working to Achieve Maximum Level of Rapprochement

• UAE Official Visits Qatar to ‘Build Bridges’ of Cooperation

• Amnesty International attacks Qatar and demands investigation into deaths of foreign workers

Qatar is also seeking to purchase U.S. F-35 stealth fighters in a separate order.

According to the newspaper, the Qatari government was frustrated because the US State Department approved similar requests from other allies, including the United Arab Emirates, in a $23 billion deal involving 50 F-35 Lighting II and other defense systems.

“In April, the Biden administration announced that it would move forward with the arms sale to the UAE, which was approved under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.”

The American newspaper quoted a Qatari official as saying: ” The reason the Qatari Government was disappointed, according to the newspaper, is that the US State Department approved similar requests from other allies, including the UAE, in a $23 billion deal, including 50 F-35 Lighting II aircraft and other defense systems”.

The newspaper expected that this issue will be one of the priorities of the Emir of Qatar, Tamim ben Hamad Al-Thani, during his visit to the White House next month.

The US State Department oversees foreign military sales.

A State Department spokesman noted Washington’s long-standing policy of not commenting on proposed defense sales or transfers until Congress is formally notified, noting that the Biden administration is moving forward with proposed deals, with ongoing reviews “to ensure that we have a clear mutual understanding, with respect to Emirati commitments and actions, before, during and after delivery.”

• Iran is requesting all countries to avoid politicizing data from downed Ukrainian plane

• Saudi Politicians: Qatar opposes Saudi Arabia