Qatar picks KNDS and John Cockerill for its land forces during Macron’s visit, and France and Qatar demand Hormuz “without fees”

Qatar chose, by letter of intent, KNDS France and John Cockerill Defense to modernise the Emir’s Land Forces, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Doha on October 20 and 21. The joint statement published by the Élysée says the two sides aim to conclude the remaining negotiations soon.

Qatar also expressed appreciation for the deployment of French air-defence assets in the country and interest in further cooperation. The Rafale, flown by both countries, remains a “key pillar” of air cooperation and will be strengthened with “improved capabilities” for the Qatar Emiri Air Force. A separate letter of intent on defence security guarantees was signed after the work of the two countries’ Supreme Military Committee, which last met in January 2026.

Hormuz “without restrictions or fees”

Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Macron “condemned Iranian military attacks against countries of the region, which constitute a serious violation of international law”. They reaffirmed the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz “without restrictions or fees” and backed a diplomatic solution that verifiably ensures the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. Macron praised Qatar’s mediation, while Doha pledged to remain a “reliable partner” for global energy security.

On Gaza the two sides backed UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and President Trump’s plan, calling for implementation of the ceasefire. On Lebanon they warned that the end of UNIFIL’s mandate must not leave a security vacuum and supported Hezbollah’s disarmament. Doha was a stop on Macron’s Gulf tour, which also took in Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where he announced that French forces are present to protect the pipeline to Yanbu.