Airlift Leads Qatar’s Major Force Upgrade

By: David Donald

October 15, 2008
Aircraft

Lockheed Martin announced on October 7 a $393.6 million contract to supply four C-130J-30 “stretched” Hercules military transports to the Qatar Emiri Air Force beginning in 2011. This comes a few months after the Qataris signed a deal to acquire from Boeing two C-17s, which will be delivered next summer.

Currently the QEAF has no tactical/strategic airlift capability, so the new purchases signal a dramatic change in air force doctrine. Qatar’s only combat aircraft–a squadron of Mirage 2000-5s–are believed to have lain dormant for some years, arousing some interest from India, which was keen to expand its Mirage fleet.

Reports from Qatar suggest that the country will now resurrect its air defense capabilities, possibly with the Mirages but more likely with the purchase of new multirole fighters.

Back

Bombardier Maritime Patrol Aircraft for UAE Passes Critical Milestone November 20, 2009 The Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) for the UAE passed its critical design review phase, keeping the program on schedule.... [more]
Boeing Markets Yet Another AH-6 Helicopter Derivative November 20, 2009 The debut of the Boeing AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter at the Dubai Airshow this month was just the latest iteration in this... [more]
‘Complex’ UAE Plan To Buy Rafale Jets Proceeds November 20, 2009 Although the supply of French Rafale combat jets to the UAE was not finalized at the Dubai Airshow, there were plenty of indications that... [more]
UAE Selects Basic Trainer and “Interim” AEW&C Aircraft November 20, 2009 Breaking with a tradition that has seen major military procurements signed and announced only in Abu Dhabi, the UAE government sealed deals for... [more]
Indonesia Chooses Russian and Chinese Trainers November 20, 2009 Recently installed chief of staff of the Indonesian air force vice marshal Imam Safaat outlined a modernization plan for the service’s pilot... [more]