Article Posted on : - Jul 01, 2016

The Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile. An MBDA photo

ROME (BNS): European missile maker MBDA has signed a contract worth over 1 billion euros to supply missile systems for new surface ships of the Qatari Navy.

The new ships are to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

Under the contract signed on June 29, 2016, MBDA Italy will supply the Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles as well as Aster 30 Block 1 and VL MICA air defence missiles for the naval vessels.

Under a Government-to-Government agreement signed between the Defence Ministries of Qatar and Italy on June 16, 2016, the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces will receive seven new surface ships -- one Landing Platform Deck (LPD) and two Off-shore Patrol Vessels (OPV) from Fincantieri.

The vessels will be deployed for maritime surveillance and patrolling duties in territorial waters and in the exclusive economic zone of Qatar.

Construction of the ships will begin in 2018.