US, Qatar Sign $11 Billion Arms Deal

Qatar plans to buy US Patriot missile batteries, Apache attack helicopters and Javelin air-defense systems in an arms deal worth $11 billion, Pentagon reported Monday.

The sale will provide Qatar with roughly 10 batteries for Patriot, 24 Apache helicopters and 500 Javelin anti-tank missiles.

"Today's signing ceremony underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Qatar in the area of security and defense and bilateral cooperation across a range of military operations," Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement.

The weapons deal is the biggest for the United States in 2014 and came as Qatar weighs proposals in a fighter jet competition, with US aerospace firm Boeing vying against British and French defense companies.