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Qatar to buy Typhoon fighters from BAE

Qatar has signed a $6.6 billion agreement to buy 24 Typhoon fighters, in a deal that includes in-service support and initial training services.

By Richard Tomkins
The Qatari Air Force is buying 24 Eurofighter Typhoons in a deal with Britain and BAE Systems announced on Sunday. Photo courtesy of BAE Systems
The Qatari Air Force is buying 24 Eurofighter Typhoons in a deal with Britain and BAE Systems announced on Sunday. Photo courtesy of BAE Systems

Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Qatar has become the ninth country to order Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft with the signing of a contract for 24 jets.

The contract between Qatar, Britain and BAE Systems was inked Sunday in Doha and is worth more than $6.6 billion.

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"It is a great pleasure to sign our biggest export deal for the Typhoon in a decade," British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said at a signing ceremony. "These formidable jets will boost the Qatari military's mission to tackle the challenges we both share in the Middle East, supporting stability in the region and delivering security at home.

"As we proudly fly the flag for our world-leading aerospace sector all over the globe this news is a massive vote of confidence, supporting thousands of British jobs and injecting billions into our economy."

The contract reportedly includes an intention by Qatar to purchase Hawk aircraft from BAE.

The Typhoons, produced under a multi-national partnership by BAE Systems, Airbus and Leonardo, is a twin-engine multi-role aircraft with speed of 1,550 miles per hour at altitude. The aircraft for Qatar will be assembled by BAE Systems and armed with Brimstone and Meteor missiles from MBDA and Raytheon UK's Paveway IV weapons.

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The British defense secretary also agreed to a package of training and cooperation between the Royal Air Force and the Qatari air force, according to Britain's Ministry of Defense.

BAE said the contract is subject to financing conditions and Qatar's first payment for the aircraft.

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