USA closer to approving several Gulf exports

[sandiego89]

Looks like the USA is getting closer to approve some Gulf fighter sales:
up to 72 F-15's to Qatar (one source says Strike Eagles)
28+ F/A-18 Super Hornets to Kuwait
17+ F-16's to Bahrain


Numbers vary by sources, but surely a very welcome breath to a few several legacy aircraft lines that were on the verge of shutting down, and not so much good news for a few others...


U.S. approves Boeing, Lockheed fighter jet sales to Gulf: sources | Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-fighters-gulf-idUSKCN11Y2TX?il=0)

[recceguy]

We all know on which side are the US in Syria, so it's pretty much appropriate that they sell fighters to the ones supporting jihad.

Qatar has already committed itself to 24 Rafale (India did for 36 last week by the way) which was already a high commitment in terms of manpower for a country which only 12 Mirage 2000 for the moment - so another 24, 48 or 70ish F15 does seem strange - but who knows ?

Anyway, money delivered already for Rafale contract, first Qatar aircraft coming out of the factory, so no stress ..

http://actu-aero.fr/2016/06/28/le-1er-rafale-pour-le-qatar-senvole-vers-istres/

Maybe also the US are hurrying to stamp deals before the outcome of their presidential elction, which may bring about some reshuffle of their definitions of "friends" ? .... .

[Martin the Martian]

Where are Qatar going to base another 72 fighter jets? Nevada?

[Jimlad1]

Where are Qatar going to get another 70 plus F15 pilots from with their tiny population?

[Lonewolf_50]

The same place they get most of their manual labor: overseas.

[NutLoose]

There are a few F-16 pilots kicking their heals in Turkey

[Heathrow Harry]

It's as big as the island of Cyprus................. or twice the size of Delaware

[Wander00]

How many football pitches is that?

[Heathrow Harry]

enough.......................

The USAF have two airbases in Delaware (Dover & New Castle) & there are 8 airfields in Cyprus...........................