HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the arrival of the first batch of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the Qatar Amiri Air Force, at the Dukhan Airbase on Saturday afternoon.
The new aircraft (Al-Dhariyat) arrived in a squadron of F15-QA and Rafale aircraft, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
HH the Amir attended a live airshow of the aircraft. Then, His Highness paid a tour of the Dukhan Airbase included the Aviation Wing Command Building No. 6 (Rafale), the immediate take-off building, the control tower and the air operations center. During the tour, HH the Amir was briefed about the advanced systems and technologies for air missions and operations that aim to develop the capabilities of the Qatar Amiri Air Force.
HH the Amir was accompanied by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, HE Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Staff Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Aqeel Al Nabit, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Air Force Brigadier General (Pilot) Jassem Mohamed Al Mannai, and a number of high-ranking officials and senior officers of the Qatar Armed Forces.
On 15 August 2022, the first Typhoon aircraft was delivered to the Qatar Armed Forces at a roll-out ceremony hosted by Cliff Robson, BAE Systems Group, Managing Director Air.
The event was held at BAE Systems’ facility in Warton, United Kingdom, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and in the presence of Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), Major General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai.
The first Typhoon has been delivered on schedule and will provide critical support for the FIFA World Cup which will be held in Qatar from 20 November.
“Today’s Typhoon delivery is another exciting milestone for our joint UK-Qatar collaboration, which will see the sharing of training and expertise between our respective air forces and will ensure both our nations stay at the forefront of defence capability. This joint project underlines how much Britain values its Middle East partnerships,” said Rt Hon Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence.
“Today marks the latest significant milestone in our partnership with the Qatar Armed Forces and demonstrates our commitment and support as they prepare to host the FIFA World Cup. We are working in partnership with the QEAF to ensure we transfer the skills and knowledge required to support, maintain and upgrade both their Typhoon and Hawk aircraft,” commented Tony Gilchrist, Director Business Development, BAE Systems Air Sector.
The event marks a major milestone in the programme following a contract for the acquisition of many Typhoons and Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft and a six-year availability support service signed between the Government of Qatar and BAE Systems in December 2017.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Qatar and the UK was signed for the provision of support including the stand up of joint UK-Qatar Typhoon and Hawk squadrons providing RAF pilot and technician training.
