Al-Thani Family: Security upgrade for rulers’ jets

Aircraft used by members of the Qatari ruling family are in line for a security upgrade by the United States, after the State Department in late September approved the sale of two counter-measures systems at a cost of around $86m. The systems will be fitted to two of the Amiri Flight’s Boeing 747-800 aircraft, described by the US government as “Head-of-State aircraft”. The Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems include missile warning sensors and Guardian laser turret assemblies. The main contractor is Northrop Grumman.