Qatari Armed Forces officially received the first Typhoon aircraft on Monday, August 15, 2022, during a ceremony presided over by Cliff Robson, Managing Director Air of BAE Systems Group. Dr Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar's deputy prime minister and minister of state for defence affairs, as well as the commander of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), Major General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai, attended the event, which took place at the BAE Systems facility in Warton, United Kingdom.
The first Typhoon was delivered on time and will ferry from the UK to Qatar later this month to support the FIFA World Cup, which will start in the country on November 21." 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 Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. This cooperative endeavour demonstrates how highly Britain regards its relationships with the Middle East.The occasion follows the signing of a contract in December 2017 between the Government of Qatar and BAE Systems for purchasing many Typhoon and Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft and a six-year availability support service.A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the governments of Qatar and the UK regarding the provision of support, including the establishment of joint Typhoon and Hawk squadrons between the two countries that will educate RAF pilots and technicians.The event marks a major milestone in the programme following a contract for acquiring 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.
