Qatar defence and security company Barzan has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with French government-owned weapons manufacturing company Nexter.

Barzan is a newly launched company wholly owned by the Qatar Ministry of Defence.

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The partnership between the two companies supports the acquisition of the Véhicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie (VBCI) fighting vehicle for the Qatar Armed Forces Al Rayyan programme.

A joint venture (JV) has been established in Qatar, which will serve as the local industrial base for the delivery and maintenance of complete vehicles for the Al Rayyan programme.

“The VBCI programme will empower the military capabilities of the Qatar Armed Forces and represents a major step forward in Qatar’s defence industry.”

Barzan Holdings managing director Nasser Al Naimi said: “Barzan Holdings is delighted to partner with Nexter, a leading French defence company, on this strategic programme.

“The VBCI programme will empower the military capabilities of the Qatar Armed Forces and represents a major step forward in Qatar’s defence industry.”

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The first MoU signed between the companies supports and strengthens the strategic partnership between Qatar and France. It will work towards finalising the VBCI programme.

As part of the agreement, other projects are under consideration to provide complementary solutions to the Qatar Armed Forces.

The second MoU has been signed between Barzan, Nexter, and all other industrial partners to formalise the industrial cooperation and launch the contractual process for the Qatari programme.

On 7 December, the two companies signed a letter of intent for the procurement programme of the VBCI vehicles.

 

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