Fincantieri Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barzan Holdings, a company wholly owned by the Qatari Ministry of Defense. Barzan Holdings is responsible for empowering the military capabilities of the State’s Armed Forces. This partnership focuses on the joint development of the Omega360 radar program, which will serve as the central sensor for Qatar’s national anti-drone system.
This agreement marks the collaboration between the two companies in defining a potential Joint Venture (JV) aimed at localizing production in Qatar and supplying 40 Omega360 radar units. The first operational systems are expected to be produced by the end of 2026.
Omega360, with its fully digital “ubiquitous” architecture, is an innovative short-range surveillance system capable of covering all 360 degrees simultaneously and with high accuracy. It is particularly effective against micro and nano drones, thanks to its high Doppler spectrum resolution and to the extensive implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms. These features enable it to classify and also to identify drone targets by radiofrequency, at long distances, simultaneously incoming from any direction (swarms) and without the limitations of the standard optical systems.
This MoU marks another step in Fincantieri’s strategy to consolidate its presence in the Middle East, to strengthen collaboration with Qatar, and open up new commercial opportunities in the Region. In addition to the radar production, the agreement includes the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Qatar dedicated to the assembly and maintenance of these systems. This initiative aims to enhance local technological capabilities and promote the development of cutting-edge air defense solutions.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, commented: “The agreement with Barzan Holdings represents a strategic step toward the future of defense and security, combining innovation with local production capabilities. With Omega360, we are pioneering the introduction of cutting-edge technologies into a highly complex market.”
“This project embodies our industrial vision: not only as integrators of advanced systems but as enablers of sustainable and technological growth. We are confident that our roadmap, as outlined in our industrial plan, positions us as leaders in the surveillance and air defense sector. This is a tangible example of Fincantieri’s entrepreneurial spirit and its ability to industrialize innovation, making technology feasible and competitive,” he added.
Fincantieri has already established a strong relationship with Qatar, having supplied advanced naval units to the Qatar Armed Forces and collaborated with Barzan Holdings in recent years. The MoU also emphasizes the commitment of both parties to adhere to strict ethical standards and compliance, which are essential for the establishment of the Competence Center and Radar Factory included in the agreement.
Barzan Holdings is helping to revolutionize Qatar’s defense and security sector. Its focused policy on capacity and human development allows it to create lasting value in terms of knowledge advancement and financial returns for the economy.
Barzan Holdings is continually searching the globe for best-in-class operators, and promising SME partners to work together to create a tailor-made, robust defense and security industry in Qatar. Barzan Holdings’ investments have substantial impacts on people’s lives as well as on the future of the country.
Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Thanks to the expertise developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts first-class references in infrastructures and is a reference player in digital technologies and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems.
With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centers in Italy, where it employs 10,000 workers and creates around 90,000 jobs, doubling the employment figure worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating on three continents employing over 21,000 direct workers.
