Qatar has purchased seven vessels from Italy in a nearly $6 billion deal.
On August 2, 2017, Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, announced that his country had signed an agreement with Italy to purchase seven Navy vessels. According to him, the deal is worth five billion euros (around $5.91 billion).
He said, “I am pleased to announce the conclusion of a deal between the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces to buy 7 naval units from Italy in the context of the joint military cooperation between the two countries.”
He declined to add further details.
Fincantieri announced in June 2016 that it and Qatar would sign a letter of agreement for the purchase of four corvettes, a support vessel, and two missile boats. That deal was estimated to be worth five billion euros.
Now that a full agreement has been signed, construction is due to begin next year. All of the vessels will be built in Italy. After delivery, the contract includes 15-year support services.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
