US, regional partners launch air defense operations cell in Qatar
The United States and its regional partners have established a new air and missile defense coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to strengthen integrated defenses across the Middle East, US Central Command said on Wednesday.
The Middle Eastern Air Defense – Combined Defense Operations Cell is based within the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid and is staffed by US personnel and regional partners.
“This is a significant step forward in strengthening regional defense cooperation,” CENTCOM commander Navy Admiral Brad Cooper said, adding that the new cell would improve coordination and information-sharing on air and missile defense responsibilities.
