DIMDEX: BAE Systems to support QENF's naval base and warships

Above: Qatar Emiri Naval Forces Naval Base support agreement signing ceremony.
Courtesy BAE Systems

The agreement was signed at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) and outlines the intent of all parties to work together to deliver world class support for the State of Qatar’s Barzan Class Fast Attack Craft, as well as Naval Base Management Services for the new Umm Al Houl Naval Base.

Aligned to the Qatar National Vision 2030, the aim of QENF is to enhance its naval capabilities with a particular strategic focus on utilising international partnerships to transfer skills and expertise into Qatar. The projects represent a strategically significant programme of work for the QENF, and the single biggest investment in naval capability that the Qatari government has made in the last thirty years.

This new relationship will leverage BAE Systems’ unrivalled experience of managing the home of the Royal Navy, HM Naval Base Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Flotilla at home and abroad for more than 20 years. Its model of industry partnering and innovation will deliver significant benefits to Qatar.

“For us, the choice to work with BAE Systems was an obvious one,” commented Abdullah Hassan Al Khater, Vice President and Chief Strategic Procurement Officer, Barzan Holdings.

“BAE Systems has a global reputation for excellence in Warship Support. In developing the Umm Al Houl Naval Base, the QENF will benefit enormously from BAE Systems’ expertise, global reach, and the commitment to its customers that it demonstrates on a daily basis.”

“We’re honoured to have been asked to support the QENF in its ambitious plans to expand its naval capabilities,” commented David Mitchard, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services.

“Following significant in-country engagement with Barzan Maintenance Shield and the Qatar Emiri Naval Force, we believe that a long-term partnership using our collective experience can best deliver the QENF’s objectives of increasing warship availability while developing world-class sovereign naval capabilities. What we have signed represents a substantial commitment from all parties. We anticipate that this will be the beginning of an enduring partnership to support the Qatari fleet, both at home and when deployed.”

Barzan Maintenance Shield is the focal point for all maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services across all domains within the Qatar security and defense sector. Additionally, BMS aims to deliver cost-efficient and value-added capabilities that guide innovation forward and give our clients confidence in all conditions. Focusing on reliability and quality, BMS strives to invest in smart technologies and people to meet international standards and best practices.

BMS enters into strategic partnerships with international OEMs and service providers to ensure the development of Qatari sovereign capability developing local know-how, skills and competencies. This focus on developing national capability ensures Qatar sovereignty and builds towards Qatar’s National Vision 2030. The development of a skilled national work force will be a primary contributor towards supporting this vision and reinforcing industrial and military independence.