London, 16 August 2022 (TDI): The Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK), Ben Wallace, delivered the first Typhoon aircraft to Qatari Emir Defence Forces at a special roll-out ceremony in Warton, Lancashire, on Monday.
Another milestone in our joint UK-Qatar defence collaboration was reached today, as Defence Secretary @BWallaceMP met with His Excellency @Kbmalattiya to deliver the first Typhoon aircraft to the Qatari Emiri Air Force.👇🇬🇧 🇶🇦 @BAESystemsplc pic.twitter.com/ldSsW8KKza
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) August 15, 2022
BAE (London-based Aerospace Company) Systems’ facility in Warton, United Kingdom, hosted the roll-out ceremony. It was held under the patronage of Dr Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs.
Moreover, the Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), Major General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai was also present. The Typhoon aircraft will provide support for the Qatar FIFA World Cup which will take place from 20 November 2022.
The two-toned grey colour Typhoon aircraft performed a 1-hour test flight and landed back at the BAE System’s facilities. The delivery of this aircraft marks the first Eurofighter Typhoon swing-role aircraft delivered by BAE Systems to Qatar Armed Forces.
Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence for the UK, said, “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.”
Wallace added, “This joint project underlines how much Britain values its Middle East partnerships.”
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UK-Qatar Defence Collaboration
The delivery of aircraft marks a significant milestone in the defence collaboration. This is achieved following a contract to acquire 24 Typhoons under a $6.7 billion contract in 2017. Moreover, Qatar is also buying Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft, Boeing-built F-15QAs, and Pilatus PC-24 training and VIP transport jets.
Additionally, the UK and Qatar also signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum of Understanding was for the provision of support including the stand up of joint UK-Qatar Typhoon and Hawk squadrons providing Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot and technician training.
Moreover, Qatar’s introduction of its multi-role Typhoons will mark the final part of a major expansion of its combat capability. Doha’s introduction of the Typhoon also will mark a further expansion of the type’s adoption in the Middle East.
