RTX announced the first international sales for the Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS) on 13 October. The Raytheon subsidiary of RTX secured a USD729 million contract to provide these air-defense components to Jordan, Qatar, and the US Army. This agreement marks the first time the system has been exported beyond domestic use. The contract covers the delivery of specific hardware designed to detect and neutralize unmanned aerial threats. Officials confirmed the procurement involves equipment for all three entities named in the order. The deal represents a significant expansion of the LIDS deployment strategy, integrating the defense capabilities of the two regional partners with the existing inventory maintained by the US Army.
The Raytheon subsidiary of RTX was awarded a USD729 million contract to deliver LIDS components to Jordan, Qatar, and the US Army. This financial agreement solidifies the production schedule for the hardware as the manufacturer begins fulfilling the requirements set forth by the three parties. By consolidating the order into a single USD729 million contract, the Raytheon subsidiary of RTX aims to streamline the manufacturing process for the complex air-defense systems. The logistical coordination required to deliver these components to both Jordan and Qatar, alongside the ongoing requirements of the US Army, represents a major operational undertaking for the company.
Expanding International Defense Capabilities
The US Department of State approved a Qatari request to acquire 10 FS-LIDS fire units and 200 Coyote Block 2 interceptors in November 2022. This initial procurement authorization set the framework for subsequent acquisitions of air-defense hardware by the state of Qatar. The US Department of State approved a Qatari request to buy 10 FS-LIDS fire units and 200 Coyote Block 2 interceptors in November 2022. This approval provided the technical foundation for the eventual integration of the Coyote Block 2 interceptors into the Qatari national security apparatus. The inclusion of 10 FS-LIDS fire units ensures that the Qatari military possesses the necessary infrastructure to operate the interceptors effectively.
The White House announced on 14 May 2025 that Raytheon secured a USD1 billion agreement making Qatar the first export customer for the FS-LIDS. This contract formalized the transition of the systems from development to international deployment for the Qatari military. The scope of this USD1 billion agreement notes the commitment of the state of Qatar to modernizing its aerial defense posture through the acquisition of advanced interception technology.
The US Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs announced on 26 February 2026 that a Jordanian request for Ku band multi-function radio frequency systems (KuMRFS) had been approved. This approval allowed Jordan to integrate the specific radio frequency technology into its existing national security inventory. The authorization provided the legal basis for the transfer of these components to support the air-defense objectives of Jordan. By securing access to Ku band multi-function radio frequency systems, Jordan enhances its ability to monitor and respond to aerial threats within its sovereign territory. The integration of these systems into the Jordanian inventory serves as a critical step in the nation's broader air-defense strategy.
