Leonardo signs multi-domain partnerships with Qatar

Leonardo is already playing a key role in the protection of Qatar, with its technologies used in country for almost 25 years. Leonardo has a substantial presence in Qatar through its representative office and a branch in Doha. Its cross-domain technological solutions’ are supporting Qatari Institutions in the protection of people and homeland, also thanks to the company’s participation in MBDA, Eurofighter and NHI consortia. Today, Qatar Emiri Air Force pilots are flying Leonardo’s M-346 advanced trainers at the International Flight Training School (IFTS), which combines the Italian Air Force’s world-renowned excellence in flight training and Leonardo’s leadership in integrated training solutions.

In the country, Leonardo has also a significant presence in the helicopters sector: the company is acting as prime contractor for the 28 NH90 programme, with the first helicopter already delivered. In addition, more than 40 helicopters including the AW139 and the AW189 are performing offshore transportation, utility, surveillance, search and rescue and emergency medical services missions. Models of the NH90 and AW149 will be on show in Doha, in addition to the AWHero, Leonardo’s rotary wing unmanned system. The AWHero recently achieved basic military certification, making it a viable system for unmanned surveillance at sea, a key topic in the Middle East.

Leonardo provides Qatar with air traffic control radars for the control centre and main systems at Doha International Airport. The company also provide air traffic management electronics and meteorological equipment to the new Hamad International Airport, which is considered one of the most advanced airports in the world. Meanwhile, Qatar airspace is safeguarded thanks to a Leonardo made low-level air surveillance and defence system, composed of a network of KRONOS radars and associated command and control centres. Moreover, of note is Leonardo’s significant contribution to both the airframe and the avionics, including the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, of the Eurofighter Typhoon, 24 of which were ordered by Qatar at the end of 2017.

Leonardo’s avionics, promoted at DIMDEX, includes advanced ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) capabilities, such as the Falco unmanned system, and a range of technologies for platform protection including the Miysis DIRCM (Directed Infra-Red Counter-Measure), the BriteCloud Expendable Active Decoy and the acoustic processor, Ulisses (Ultra Light SonicS Enhanced System), specifically conceived for identifying threats below sea level.