Qatar formalises deal for 24 Eurofighters

Qatar has entered a deal to obtain 24 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters just days after confirming an order for 12 additional Dassault Rafales. BAE Systems, the Eurofighter campaign lead for Qatar, says that the deal is valued a £5 billion ($6.7 billion). Deliveries are to start in late 2022, subject to BAE Systems receiving the first payment, which is due "no later than mid-2018." “We are delighted to begin a new chapter in the development of a long-term relationship with the State of Qatar and the Qatar Armed Forces, and we look forward to working alongside our customer as they continue to develop their military capability," says Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems. News that a Eurofighter deal was imminent first emerged in September, when the UK defence secretary at the time, Michael Fallon, said a statement of intent had been signed for the 24 aircraft. The Eurofighter announcement follows Dassault's announcement on 7 December that Qatar will buy 12 additional Rafale fighters, adding to its previous commitment of 24 of the French type. The first Rafale is due in 2018. In June, Qatar also entered a deal with Boeing for 36 F-15QA aircraft, reportedly worth $12 billion. The F-15QA is an advanced variant of the two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, it is effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.