DOHA: Qatar will soon announce a new defence production initiative aimed at strengthening its domestic capabilities, the country’s Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said on Monday.
Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha, Al Thani said Qatar was working with a regional partner, alongside countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, to develop local protection capabilities and invest in defence companies.
He said the upcoming partnership would focus on building capabilities to counter ballistic missiles, drones and cyberattacks, as well as addressing other security threats. However, he did not disclose further details about the initiative or identify the regional partner.
The announcement comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has exposed Gulf countries to security threats, including Iranian attacks.
Qatar has also faced economic and energy-related disruptions during the conflict. The country was forced to shut down much of its main liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex at Ras Laffan shortly after hostilities began and experienced restrictions on international shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar has traditionally relied on advanced foreign military procurement and external security partnerships rather than large-scale domestic defence manufacturing. The proposed initiative could mark a step towards expanding the country’s local defence production and security capabilities.