Europe's MBDA has signed a memorandum of understanding to provide the Qatar Emiri Naval Force with a coastal defense system.

The system would be capable of firing both Exocet MM 40 Block 3 missiles and Marte Extended Range missiles and function autonomously with its own radar, or by data-linking to a higher level within a wider coastal surveillance network.

The future contact would carry a value of about $724 million.

"This MOU represents the first step towards the signing of a contract for this new and innovative coastal missile system," said Antoine Bouvier, chief executive officer of MBDA.

"This is a further confirmation of the trust placed by the Qatar Armed Forces in MBDA for its defense requirements."

The MOU was signed Wednesday at the DIMDEX 2016 exhibition in Doha, the United Arab Emirates.

MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. It is owned by Airbus Group, BAE Systems and Finmeccanica.

Philippines buys anti-submarine warfare helicopters
Rome (UPI) Mar 31, 2016 –

The Philippine Navy is procuring two AgustaWestland AW159 helicopters configured to anti-submarine and surface warfare roles.

Finmeccanica, parent company of AgustaWestland, said the contract for the helicopters was signed in the Philippines and is worth about $113.1 million.

The AW159s will be built in Britain at a Finmeccanica Helicopter plant and delivered in 2018.

Finmeccanica will also provide training and multi-year support for their operation.

"This contract confirms the confidence of the Philippines in Finmeccanica's products as key to its national security and is a further recognition, in the international market, of the company's leadership in the maritime and naval helicopter segment," said Mauro Moretti, Finmeccanica's chief executive officer and general manager.

"We will deliver to the Philippine Navy a state-of-the-art product, unmatched in the modern operational scenarios, and customized to meet their specific needs.

"Also, we will provide the customer with support and training solutions that will enable them to take full advantage of the capabilities of its new helicopters."

The AW159 Wildcat has a maximum speed of 193 miles per hour and a range of 483 miles.