The Commander of the Qatar Land Forces in Italy to Deepen Operational Agreements

The Commander of the Qatar Land Forces, Maj.Gen. Jassim Ali AL ATTIYAH, recently concluded an official visit to Italy, a significant event that focused on intensifying bilateral cooperation between the two Armies. The visit included a bilateral meeting with the Army Corps General Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, with the main objective of strengthening relations in operational, training, and strategic areas.

Upon his arrival at Palazzo Esercito, Maj.Gen. Jassim Ali AL ATTIYAH participated in an informative briefing that covered the current operations and initiatives of the Italian Army. The Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, Gen. C.A. Masiello, emphasized the importance of consolidating the friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries, particularly in the field of training and education. “The complexity of the global scenario and current security threats require consolidating friendship and mutual collaboration in training and education to face future challenges together,” stated Masiello.

Visits and Operational Insights

During his stay, the Commander of the Qatar Land Forces visited several strategic sites of the Italian Army. Among these, the Artillery Command of Bracciano and the Infantry School of Cesano, where he had the opportunity to delve into the training and operational capabilities of the Italian armed forces. One of the most significant stops of the visit was the static display of vehicles and armaments, which offered Maj.Gen. AL ATTIYAH an opportunity to observe the modern technologies employed by the Italian Army.

Furthermore, the Qatari delegation attended a demonstration of the Blindo Centauro 2 at the Multifunctional Testing Center, confirming interest in the advanced capabilities of the Italian armored vehicle.

Cooperation Objectives: Joint Development and Interoperability with Qatar

During the meetings, important cooperation objectives for the future were outlined. Among these, the joint development of new capabilities, the enhancement of mutual knowledge between specialized units, and the strengthening of interoperability between maneuver units. These efforts aim to create synergies that enhance the operational capability of both armies and facilitate effective collaboration in complex and globalized scenarios.

The visit of Maj.Gen. AL ATTIYAH underscores the importance of cooperation between Italy and Qatar in the Defense sector. The relationship between the two countries has strengthened over the years, as demonstrated by numerous joint industrial and military projects. A significant example is the collaboration between the Italian industry and Qatar in the electronic warfare sector, as evidenced by the contract signed by Elt Group (formerly Elettronica S.p.A.) with the Qatari Ministry of Defense in December 2024 for the supply of a Unified Electronic Warfare Center, equipped with the most modern technologies.

Enhancing Logistics and Strategic Cooperation

Italy and Qatar are also exploring new ways of collaboration, with the creation of an Italian military logistics hub in Qatar at the center of bilateral discussions. The joint statement by the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, confirmed the intention to explore the potential of a logistics hub that could strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries. Such a project could represent a strategic base for supporting the Qatar Armed Forces and a reference point for Italian operations in the region.

Conclusions

The visit of Maj.Gen. Jassim Ali AL ATTIYAH to Italy represents an important step towards strengthening military cooperation between the two countries. The intensification of collaboration in key areas such as training, education, and the development of operational capabilities, as well as the creation of a military logistics hub, are elements that highlight the growing synergy between Italy and Qatar on the international stage. The partnership in Defense continues to evolve, consolidating the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two states.

defense, international cooperation, QatarItaly