Dubai: The United States has approved the sale of premium military equipment to Qatar, worth nearly $2 billion.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the deal is officially worth $1.96 billion and includes sophisticated drones, bombs and advanced defense systems to enhance Qatar’s military capabilities.

The agreement includes the sale of eight MQ-9B drones, 500-pound precision bombs, radar systems, satellite communications systems and advanced target equipment.

To ensure optimal use of military hardware, the deal also includes training and technical support for Katari personnel, read this statement.

The DSCA, which oversees the sale of U.S. military equipment to foreign countries, stressed that the sale is intended to enhance Qatar’s surveillance and defense capabilities.

The device will help Qatar violate regional security threats and strengthen protection of its territorial integrity, U.S. officials said.

They also stressed that military sales will not disturb the balance of power in the region. They assured neighboring countries that the transaction was in line with maintaining regional stability.

According to the U.S. Statement Department, the United States and Qatar have the following defense cooperation agreements: the General Security Agreement for the Military Information Agreement in 2013, the Acquisition and Cross-Service Agreement in 2013, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement in 2013, the 2013 Geospatial Intelligence Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement in 2014, the 2016 Communication Interoperability and Agreement interoperability and Security Memorandum, and the 2020 Maritime Implementation Agreement.

Two major US defense companies, General Atoms and Lockheed Martin, will be the first to develop the production and supply of equipment.