The deployment of an inter-force military contingent in Qatar, led by the Italian Army, has begun in view of the FIFA World Cup 2022, which will take place in the emirate of the Persian Gulf between 21 November and 18 December 2022.
The task of the Italian military is to support, together with the contingents of France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Pakistan and Turkey, the Qatari Armed Forces in the implementation of the defense and security system of the world championship.
La Task Force Italian includes about 560 soldiers of the Armed Forces with 46 land vehicles, a ship and two aircraft.
In particular, the Army will deploy specialized EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) units, for CBRN defense (from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat) and canine units. The Navy will contribute to the safety of international waters off Doha, with the Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Thaon of Revel, and of the underwater space, near the coast, with a Autonomous Underwater Vehicle of the REMUS type.
The Air Force, on the other hand, will contribute to the control of the airspace to counter the possible unauthorized use of mini and micro drones. In fact, a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Anti-drone System (C-UAS) consisting of portable jammer devices and the sedentary anti-drone system ACUS (AMI Counter UAS).
The Arma dei Carabinieri will provide a device consisting of 14 units, including the Provost marshal, figure of direct support of the commander of the mission and in particular a Core of 10 advisor, consultants of the security forces (Gendarmerie, Amir Guard, Military Police) and of the special forces of Qatar.
The command on the ground of the operation, called "Oryx" (the Oryx of Arabia is the national animal of Qatar), will be entrusted to Brigadier General Giuseppe Bossa, commander of the "Sassari" brigade.
The national joint force device will have the task of competing and assisting the Emirate's Armed Forces in their work of supervising the safe and regular running of the sporting event.
The Italian military will be ready to intervene, in support and at the request of the authorities of the host State, in emergency situations or in the event of hostile acts that may threaten critical infrastructures such as stadiums, ports, airports, industrial complexes, shopping centers and crowded places.
