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The USAF has contracted Boeing under a Foreign Military Sales arrangement to manufacture 36 new F-15QA fighters for Qatar.
The US6.1bn (A$7.8bn) contract is somewhat less than the estimated US$21bn (A$27bn) deal that was approved by the US State Department in November 2016, but may just represent a first tranche.
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That previous approval included provision for US-based Lead-in-Fighter-Training, associated ground support, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. It also non-recurring items such as training materials, maintenance support equipment, technical publications, initial personnel training, and simulators.
Qatar has also recently ordered a similar number of Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, which will see it operating one of the most diverse and capable air combat forces in the region.
The country has been increasingly isolated in recent months due to a trade and travel blockade by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member nations led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE over their perception of Qatar’s support for ISIS and a softening of its stance on Iran.
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Paul
says:Bloody nice jet and very capable. Running 3 different types shouldn’t be a problem. Being such a rich country shouldn’t worry them.
Philip
says:Hi Paul,
I think it was politically expedient for them to do so, and cover the spread of key western suppliers. Lucky that they have the financial capital to do so.
Paul
says:Hi Philip, great point there mate and very true. AA you are doing a sterling job with more defence articles. Keep up the great work!
PAUL
says:Interesting mix especially as other Gulf nations use some of those Aircraft: Oman-Eurofighters Saudi-F15E & Eurofighter UAE F16E & Mirage 2000 & Egypt- Rafale on order
Paul
says:26 of these would be fantastic I reckon., which of course won’t happen Just hypothetically saying!