US Approves Sale of 5000 APKWS II Guidance Sections to Qatar for $300 Million

The US State Department has approved sale of 5000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II Guidance Sections to Qatar for an estimated cost of $300 million. 

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Monday.

The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of 5000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II Guidance Sections.  Also included are 5000 MK66-4 2.75 inch rocket motors, 5000 high explosive warheads for airborne 2.75 inch rockets, inert MK66-4 2.75 inch rocket motors, inert high explosive warhead for airborne 2.75 inch rockets, support equipment, spares, training, publications, engineering technical assistance, program management technical assistance, logistics support services, and other related elements of program support, DSCA said in a statement Monday.

Qatar intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces.  This will contribute to Qatar’s military goal by providing additional capability to its new AH-64E aircraft fleet, the statement read.

The APKWS will provide Qatar with a low-cost precision strike capability, decreasing collateral damage and expanding its options for counterterrorism operations.  Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The principal contractor involved in this program is BAE Systems.