Qatar receives its first Eurofighter Typhoon

The first Typhoon aircraft was delivered today to the Qatar Armed Forces at a roll-out ceremony hosted by Cliff Robson, BAE Systems Group, managing director air.

Image: BAE Systems

The event was held at BAE Systems’ facility in Warton, United Kingdom, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and in the presence of Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), Major General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai.

The first Typhoon has been delivered on schedule and will ferry from the UK to Qatar later this month where they will provide critical support for the FIFA World Cup which will be held in the State from 21 November. 

Tony Gilchrist, director business development for BAE, said:  “Today marks the latest significant milestone in our partnership with the Qatar Armed Forces and demonstrates our commitment and support as they prepare to host the FIFA World Cup.

 “We are working in partnership with the QEAF to ensure we transfer the skills and knowledge required to support, maintain and upgrade both their Typhoon and Hawk aircraft.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace 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. This joint project underlines how much Britain values its Middle East partnerships."

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