US approves sale of Mk-V fast patrol boats to Qatar

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of Mk-V fast patrol boats and related equipment, training, and support to Qatar.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the estimated cost of the sale is $124.02 million.

The government of Qatar has also requested the sale of eight M2HB .50 caliber machine guns, forward looking infrared systems, MLG 27mm gun systems and practice ammunition.

The principal contractor will be United States Marine Incorporated (USMI) from Gulfport, Mississippi, which produces the Mk-V fast patrol boats.

” Qatar is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Persian Gulf region. This proposed sale will provide Qatar with military capabilities to protect its critical sea-based infrastructure and maritime security. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” DSCA said.