Why does Qatar need C-17s?

[ajl146]

Qatar to throw lifeline to Boeing's C-17 with order for two aircraft http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/06/10/224547/qatar-to-throw-lifeline-to-boeings-c-17-with-order-for-two-aircraft.html

Considering they currently have no tactical military airlift capability let alone a strategic one (other than a fancy fleet of airliners for VIPs) and generally don't get involved too much overseas in lands far far away, what is the reasoning behind this purchase?

[minigundiplomat]

In return for a deal on something else?

Possible leasing options?

Militray pooling with neighbours?

Commercial outsize load capability. Oil & Driling equipment can be quite bulky?

Why did Labour sell off the RAF's Belfasts, only to spend the next 20 years hiring them back from HeavyLift?

Not sure really, above are speculation.

[harrogate]

To carry all the cash to the bank that they're making from oil currently.

[ZH875]

Maybe John Prescott is going to visit shortly, and they need a food run.

[Guzlin Adnams]

To hold before the RAF can buy them..........:E

[MrBernoulli]

To take sand to the effing desert!

[TEEEJ]

For things like disaster relief instead of having to rely on U.S. airlift.

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123012151

Deployment of troops and vehicles abroad in support of U.N. operations.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5311610.stm

TJ

['Chuffer' Dandridge]

Why does Qatar need C-17s?

Probably the same reason they have the biggest VIP jets to carry them around(747 etc). Maybe they just want to carry their private Hummers around.....?

When you have money, you can do anything you want:{

[mick2088]

Hello there. I severely doubt that Qatar needs them for so-called contributions to UN missions like Lebanon. There are no Qatari troops currently participating in any UN mission, according to the monthly lists of contributors that the UN publishes. Perhaps it is something they plan in the future or they hope to boost humanitarian aid deliveries to other states given that they want a bigger role in the Middle East. I think they have also been pushing for an all-Arab peacekeeping force in Lebanon (they have a major role in talks) and may want them to offer to transport other Arab troops participating in other future UN missions as they would be the only Middle Eastern state to operate them. Either that or the Qatari Emir has been taken by them landing at Al-Udeid airbase and Doha International Airport and now fancies a couple as large, expensive airborne limousines. Perhaps they are buying them as a favour to the Americans to help keep the Boeing C-17 production line open. It does seem a rather odd choice.

[The Hook Hacker]

well, I did go there for a month to review things last year and we found the odd interesting dit....

They were training a UN international Rescue team of about 300 bods. Thier job urban SAR as in disater relief.

The Emir, a good chap with clever advisors, has decided Qatar will respond to anything nasty to hep it's brothers. They sent 200+ into Lebanon during the Israeli detachment, with foood and aid.

They went to AAChi and PAkistan. All before they were accredirted by INSARAG. However they will never likely achieve accreditation for many reasons, most byou can guess.

A good idea, money (it's Gas not Oil) will ensure they continue to punch well above weight class jus like Qatar Airways, scratch veneer and stand back on that one

[Richard G]

Why does Qatar need C17's?

So that they can shift their Gold stockpile if a neighbour aross the creek makes a move to liberate Qatar! Either that or they need to be able to move the Sheik's golf clubs.

[L J R]

'cos they can



....or is it to deploy their Mirages to Red Flag - i heard that the prince (or one of them who is a Fighter Pilot) wants to go there.

[TEEEJ]

Qatari troops and vehicles did deploy to Lebanon as part of UNIFIL. The 200 strong contingent completed a 4 month det. If they are planning further U.N. commitments either military or civilian then the C-17 purchase would fit in with their plans.

Cheers

TJ

[MarkD]

if they could drop into Chad and see their former UNIFIL comrades from the Irish Defence Forces any time soon it would be nice - seems to be getting lively over there...

[Uncle Ginsters]

...or as airborne horseboxes for the Sheik's prize steeds...

...just a rumour I heard :}

[Squirrel 41]

Probably because the C-17s will be useful in logistical support for UN ops around the place (ie. great international PR); no other Arab state has a similar capability (local one up-manship); helps Boeing keep production open and therefore helps the US forces (good for staying in with the Yanks); and because it is always useful to buy your principal benefactor's expensive toys.

S41