Qatar asks for U.S. rocket systems

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress that Qatar has requested the sale of U.S. rocket and missile systems.

The $406 million Foreign Military Sales deal includes seven M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers with the Universal Fire Control System; 60 M57 Army Tactical Missile System Block 1A T2K Unitary Rockets (60 pods, one rocket per pod); 360 M31A1 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary Rockets (60 pods, six rockets per pod); and 180 M28A2 Reduced Range Practice Rockets; and other equipment would be part of the package.

"The proposed sale will improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure," the agency said in its notification to Congress. "It will also enhance Qatar's interoperability with the U.S. and its allies, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world."

Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in Dallas would be the prime contractor.