The Qatar Ministry of Defence announced on March 2, 2026, that its armed forces successfully intercepted a combined Iranian aerial attack involving two Su-24 aircraft, seven ballistic missiles, and five drones. The Qatari Emiri Navy contributed to the coordinated air defence engagements.
The statement confirmed that Qatar Emiri Navy Forces participated in shooting down several drones alongside the air force, marking an operational use of the fleet’s air defence capabilities. The officials didn’t mention any specific ships or systems engaged incoming air threats.
According to the official statement, all threats were engaged immediately upon detection in accordance with the operational plan, with missiles intercepted before reaching their targets.
Qatar has faced multiple Iranian missile and drone attacks since June 2025, primarily in response to US military operations launched from Al Udeid Air Base. The June 2025 strikes damaged communications infrastructure at the base, though casualties were avoided. In subsequent attacks through March 2026, Qatar reported intercepting over 60 ballistic missiles and multiple drone waves, with eight injuries reported from falling debris and minor structural damage to civilian areas.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry has condemned these actions as violations of sovereignty and threats to regional stability. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that Qatar’s armed forces possess the capabilities and resources to defend national territory and respond to external threats.
Naval Air Defence Assets
Qatar’s naval air defense capability centers on two platform types commissioned in recent years. The fleet includes the landing platform dock Al Fulk, delivered by Fincantieri in 2023, and four Al Zubarah-class corvettes, all built at the Italian Fincantieri’s facilities between 2020 and 2024.
Al Fulk measures 143 meters and carries an 8-cell Sylver A50 vertical launch system loaded with MBDA Aster 30 Block 1 missiles. The vessel uses Leonardo’s Kronos AESA radar and the larger Kronos Power Shield L-band radar, which provides instrumental range up to 1,500 kilometers. The integrated SAAM-ESD system enables tactical ballistic missile early warning.
The four Al Zubarah-class corvettes, at 107 meters each, carry heavier air defense armament with 16-cell VLS systems holding Aster 30 Block 1 missiles. These vessels use Leonardo’s Grand Kronos Naval AESA radar linked to the SAAM-ESD missile system. The combat management relies on Leonardo’s ATHENA family system with multiple data links, including Link 11, 16, and JREAP.
Both vessel types share compatible sensor and engagement systems, allowing coordinated air defense operations across the fleet.
