Qatar Confirms Purchase of Another 12 Eurofighter Typhoon Aircrafts Worth GBP 2.8 Billion

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Qatar has confirmed its intention to acquire an additional 12 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, complementing the 24 jets it purchased in 2017 for GBP 5.6 billion (RM32 billion).

The acquisition of these 12 fighter jets, valued at GBP 2.8 billion (RM11.29 billion), is part of Qatar’s broader investment in bolstering its defence capabilities and strengthening ties with the United Kingdom.

The Eurofighter Typhoon jets are developed by a consortium of four countries: Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.

The announcement to purchase additional British-made Eurofighter Typhoons followed a visit by the Emir of Qatar to the United Kingdom, where he met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Qatar also officially confirmed the continuation of its cooperation with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in joint training as part of a British squadron and its support for the Eurofighter program through 2030 and beyond.

The Middle Eastern nation is reported to have already received 22 of the 24 Eurofighter jets it ordered in 2017, with the remaining two expected to be delivered next year.

BRIEF:

Qatar has confirmed plans to purchase 12 additional Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets for GBP 2.8 billion (RM11.29 billion), supplementing the 24 jets acquired in 2017 for GBP 5.6 billion (RM32 billion). The new acquisition aims to bolster Qatar’s defence capabilities and strengthen ties with the United Kingdom.

The Eurofighter Typhoons, developed by Germany, the UK, Spain, and Italy, will integrate into Qatar’s No. 12 Squadron, a joint unit with the Royal Air Force. Qatar also reaffirmed its cooperation with the RAF and long-term support for the Eurofighter program beyond 2030.

Meanwhile, Turkey has received approval from Germany to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoons after overcoming initial opposition. Turkey intends to acquire the latest “Tranche 4” variant, equipped with advanced AESA “CAPTOR-E” radar, and capable of operational service until 2060.

Both nations view these acquisitions as strategic investments in enhancing their air force capabilities and strengthening military partnerships.

All the jets are manufactured at BAE Systems’ facility in Wharton, and the latest order of 12 additional Typhoons will help sustain local jobs in the area.

Qatar’s air force operates a diverse fleet of fighter jets, including 36 Dassault Rafale DQ/EQ jets from France’s Dassault Aviation and 48 Boeing F-15QA Ababil jets, with plans to acquire an additional 36 aircraft.

The integration of the Eurofighter Typhoons into No. 12 Squadron, a joint unit operated by Qatar’s Air Force and the RAF, underscores their strategic role in enhancing bilateral military collaboration.

In addition to Qatar, which plans to procure 12 additional Eurofighter Typhoons, negotiations are underway with Turkey, which aims to purchase 40 of the jets.

Turkey has long expressed interest in acquiring the Eurofighter Typhoon to enhance its air force capabilities, but its efforts were previously blocked by Germany.

Turkey’s Defence Minister Yasar Guler recently announced that Germany had given the green light for the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoons to the Mediterranean nation.

Speaking to TV100, Guler revealed that Germany initially opposed the sale but eventually relented under pressure from other European consortium members, including Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

“We will purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. Germany opposed the sale for a long time but finally agreed after NATO allies such as Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain pushed for it,” Guler said.

Germany had reportedly resisted approving the sale of the Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey due to tensions over Turkey’s criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

However, in November last year, Turkey announced that it had begun discussions with Eurofighter consortium countries, particularly the UK, to procure the latest “Tranche 4” variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Equipped with the AESA “CAPTOR-E” radar, the Tranche 4 variant is described as Europe’s most advanced fighter jet, capable of remaining operational until 2060. Germany has already ordered 38 units of the Tranche 4 variant. — DSA