What are the implications of the US's $243.5 billion deals with Qatar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- US-Qatar agreements total over $243.5 billion.
- Potential economic exchange of at least $1.2 trillion.
- Boeing's largest-ever widebody and 787 orders secured.
- Defense cooperation includes significant contracts for advanced technologies.
- Strengthening of military partnerships at Al Udeid Air Base.
Washington, May 15 (NationPress) The United States has unveiled agreements with Qatar exceeding $243.5 billion, predicting these arrangements will foster an economic exchange of at least $1.2 trillion.
According to a statement from the White House, Boeing and GE Aerospace have finalized a $96 billion deal to provide Qatar Airways with as many as 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft that will be equipped with engines from GE Aerospace.
The White House emphasized that this represents Boeing's largest-ever widebody order and the biggest 787 order in its history.
“These groundbreaking agreements, celebrated today, will not only spur innovation and prosperity for generations but also enhance American manufacturing and technological leadership, setting the stage for a new Golden Age in the US,” the White House remarked.
President Trump has dedicated significant effort during this trip to securing investment dollars, commending Gulf nations for their commitment to a stronger partnership with the US, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Additionally, the American multinational firm Parson, specializing in technology, defense, and infrastructure, has won 30 projects amounting to $97 billion in Qatar, while McDermott, an energy services provider, has secured seven ongoing projects valued at $8.5 billion. Furthermore, Quantinuum has established a joint venture with Al Rabban Capital, a key Qatari firm, to invest up to $1 billion in advanced quantum technologies and workforce development in the United States, according to the press release.
The US and Qatar have also formalized a range of defense cooperation agreements, which include a $1 billion deal with Raytheon for Qatar's procurement of counter-drone capabilities and a nearly $2 billion agreement with General Atomics for the acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system.
Moreover, both nations signed a statement of intent aimed at further enhancing their security collaboration, detailing over $38 billion in potential investments, which includes support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base and future defense capabilities related to air defense and maritime security.
Al Udeid Air Base is recognized as the largest US military installation in the Middle East.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump arrived in Doha, Qatar, marking the second day of his Middle Eastern tour following his visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
In 2022, Qatar was designated as the third Gulf nation, following Bahrain and Kuwait, to be recognized as a major non-NATO ally by the United States.