Qatari Land Forces Set for Transformative Training with Italian Military Expertise

The official visit to Italy by a delegation led by Major General Saeed Hesayen Mohammed Al-Khayarin, Commander of the Qatar Land Forces, concludes today. The Commander also toured various branches and divisions of the Italian Army and, yesterday morning, ratified a significant partnership agreement with Army Chief of Staff, General Salvatore Farina.

General Al-Khayarin, who arrived in Rome on Sunday afternoon, was a guest at the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command in Sabaudia (LT), where he received a warm welcome from Brigadier General Fabrizio Argiolas. After participating in an informational briefing about the capabilities of the Counter Mini/Micro Remotely Piloted Aircraft Center of Excellence (CM/M APR), the delegation explored a static exhibit of the primary weapon systems used in anti-aircraft operations and witnessed an operational demonstration of counter-drone technologies.

On Tuesday morning, the Qatari delegation visited Salento, at the “Torre Veneri” shooting range, where the Cavalry School and the “Pinerolo” mechanized Brigade are currently engaged in testing armament systems and advanced technological platforms employed by the Italian Army units.

Brigadier General Claudio Dei, Commander of the Cavalry School, conducted a briefing at the 2nd level Tactical Training Center (CAT), showcasing the significant advancements that define the new Centauro 2 heavy armored vehicle. The visit continued at the shooting range, where guests observed a live-fire exercise featuring the Blindo Centauro, including various operational tests to assess the technical and mobility capabilities of the chassis, alongside the turret’s performance through the firing of the main armament (120mm cannon) and secondary weapons: the MG42/59 coaxial machine gun (7.62mm) and Hitrole system, with 7.62mm, 12.7mm, and 40mm munitions.

In the afternoon, the delegation was welcomed by Brigadier General Giovanni Gagliano, Commander of the “Pinerolo” Brigade, who showcased the digitized Command Post, part of Project 4.9 of Forza NEC (Network Enabled Capability); the tactical Command Post on the VTMM ORSO (Medium Multirole Tactical Vehicle); the VTLM 2 NEC (Light Multirole Tactical Vehicle); and the VBM Freccia (Medium Armored Vehicle), including the kit that constitute the “Safe Soldier” system.

Utilizing the communication systems of the digitized command posts deployed at “Torre Veneri,” General Al-Khayarin was able to observe the execution of tactical maneuvers conducted by the Brigade’s units in a fully digital environment. The demonstration provided insights into the advantages of executing the Command and Control function (C2) digitally.

Yesterday morning, the delegation was honored by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Salvatore Farina, who, following a presentation of military honors in the Army Building’s square, engaged in a bilateral meeting that revolved around “The Italian Army towards 2030: Organizational and modernization strategies.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, General Farina – representing Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini – and the Commander of the Qatar Land Forces signed the “Technical Arrangement (TA) between the Ministry of Defense of the Italian Republic and the Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar, regarding collaboration in the education and training sectors.”

This arrangement, originating during the Italy-Qatar Army Staff Talks in Doha on 7-8 May 2019, enables the conducting of a range of training activities within Qatari territory aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of the infantry, artillery, and cavalry for the Qatari Emiri Land Forces.

Specifically, the TA outlines general guidelines for the training of military personnel in legal, financial, logistical, administrative, and security sectors. Additionally, it sets some fundamental minimum requirements (in terms of technical and linguistic knowledge) necessary for attending courses.

Subsequently, the two high-ranking officials traveled to the Military Hippodrome “Gen. C.A. Pietro Giannattasio” in the Tor di Quinto district, where, following the signing of the Honor Roll and a symbolic exchange of gifts, they attended the historic carousel of the Mounted Squadrons of the Lancers of Montebello (8th) Regiment.

General Al-Khayarin’s visit to Italy concluded today at the military complex at Cecchignola, where he met Brigadier Generals Luigi Postiglione, Commander of the Engineers Brigade, and Stefano Francesconi, Commander of the Transmissions. The visit particularly focused on the Counter IED Center of Excellence and the recently established Army Cyber Security Department.

The signing of the TA and all visit activities to the Armed Forces’ Bodies and Departments by the foreign delegation were conducted in full compliance with the regulations established by the Government for the fight against and prevention of the SARS CoVid-19 virus.