Qatar has signed what’s been described as one of the largest-ever arms orders from an Italian defense firm after agreeing to buy seven vessels from shipbuilder Fincantieri.

The purchase includes four corvettes – each measuring more than 100 meters in length – one amphibious vessel and a pair of patrol vessels, Fincantieri said in a statement this week. It added that work would begin in Italy within two years.

Italy’s Defense Ministry said the total value of the deal, which also includes weapons systems, is €5 billion (QR20.4 billion).