Qatar officially receives its first Typhoon fighter aircraft

The first Typhoon aircraft was delivered to the Qatar Armed Forces at a handover ceremony organized at the BAE Systems facility in Warton (UK).

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The roll-out ceremony was hosted by Cliff Robson, BAE Systems Group, Managing Director Air.and under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and in the presence of the Commander of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), Major General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai.

As reported by BAE Systems, the first Typhoon has been delivered on schedule and will be transported from the UK to Qatar later this month.  The Typhoon will provide critical security support for the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the Emirate of Qatar from November 20.

See also: RAF to assist Qatar in providing air protection for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

“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 Mr. Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom.

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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 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.