BAE Systems delivers first Qatari Eurofighter Typhoon
Qatar's first Eurofighter Typhoon has been delivered. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems has delivered the first Eurofighter Typhoon swing role aircraft to the Qatar Armed Forces at a special roll out ceremony in Warton, Lancashire.
Those in attendance at the event included His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), Major General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai, according to a 15 August statement from the manufacturer.
The first Qatari Typhoon will be sent to the country later this month and play a part in supporting the FIFA World Cup due to be staged in the country from 20 November.
'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,' noted BAE.
The UK MoD valued the original order for 24 Typhoons from Qatar at a cost of £6 billion ($7.25 billion).
The jets are to be fitted with Leonardo's European Common Radar System Mark 0 AESA.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.