Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar on Saturday received the first batch of Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
"Today, we witnessed the arrival of the first batch of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, which comes as part of our country's continuous march in developing our Qatari Amiri Air Force, and enhancing it with the latest types of equipment and combat aircraft according to the highest international standards," His Highness the Amir Shiekh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani tweeted on Saturday.
In 2017, Qatar signed a £6 billion deal to buy 24 Typhoon fighter jets from the UK.
Qatar and the UK also signed an agreement for building up a Joint Operational Squadron (JOS), which includes a joint operation and training squadron, and an electronic warfare system.
JOS is a unique squadron in the region and is considered the nucleus of future joint operations between the Qatar Amiri Air Force and the Royal Air Force of the UK.
The squadron will tackle all air combat operations, ensuring combat readiness for all Qatari and British pilots and technicians. It will have a notable role in operational coverage and aerial security during FIFA 2022 World Cup events.
Developed jointly by the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a delta-wing, beyond-visual-range aircraft with surface attack capability.
It reportedly serves as the "backbone” of combat air defence for the UK and its key European and international allies.
With a wingspan of 10.95 meters (35.9 feet), the aircraft can travel twice the speed of sound at an altitude of up to 55,000 feet (16.7 kilometres).