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Quote:

Originally Posted by Could be the last? (Post 9982711)

Does anyone know which helmet(s) the pilots will be using for the jet?

There’s quite a choice isn’t there. With money to burn, perhaps the over engineered knobbly one plus a night capable one?

Quote:

I heard the 24 Typhoons for Qatar are going to come from Approved Used stock (presumably ex-RAF), after an 'upgrade' and re-paint presumably.

So Tranche 1 aircraft? For Qatar, that has money to burn? As far as I am aware, the Tranche 1 cannot be upgraded to a Tranche 2/3, regardless of how much money you throw at it

Doesn't seem likely, but then that's true of so much of Qatar's recent fighter procurement/announcements.

Well they probably don't expect to use them in action against serious opposition

Right now the main threat is probably Saudi Arabia and if they come calling it'll be ground forces in very large numbers - air superiority is useless if you've only got around 13000 troops

It's really buying political influence.

And they can afford to junk them in 10 years anyway

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heathrow Harry (Post 9983381)

As I've said before, if it's all about political influence and keeping friends sweet, buy something that you need, like some tanks or a ship or two.

According to an article on Aviation Analysis Wing:-

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The country has placed an order for 36 Boeing F-15QA strike aircraft from United States for 21.1 USD in November 2016.

In September 2017, a Letter of Intent for acquisition of 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets were signed between British BAE Systems. The Eurofighter is a consortium of companies from UK, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Quote:

Currently the Qatar Emiri Air Force operates just 9 single engine Dassault Mirage 2000 multi-role fighters, which will be replaced by 96 twin engined high performance jets from Europe and USA.

Quite a transition! :0 Aircrew? Groundcrew?

" if it's all about political influence and keeping friends sweet, buy something that you need, like some tanks or a ship or two"

No - if its influence you're after buy something they're desperate to sell to you.............

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The country has placed an order for 36 Boeing F-15QA strike aircraft from United States for 21.1 USD

Wow, that's some discount! I make it 58 cents per aeroplane...

PDR

Just wait for the Spares bill..........................

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDR1 (Post 9983496)

Wow, that's some discount! I make it 58 cents per aeroplane...

PDR

At last, proof that Warton are overcharging the MOD!

Quote:

Wow, that's some discount! I make it 58 cents per aeroplane...

Just a little fun at your expense, and yes, I know you get it.

Order for 24 Typhoons confirmed today according to Radio 4, plus order for Hawks also expected.

Haven't they also ordered more Rafale's this week as well?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWBKCB (Post 9985587)

Order for 24 Typhoons confirmed today according to Radio 4, plus order for Hawks also expected.

Haven't they also ordered more Rafale's this week as well?

Report on BBC News now as well.

Good news for R̶A̶F̶ ̶ BAE Coningsby, could fund another large building or two.
If only those pesky RAF Airmen didn't get in the way! By wanting to use their carpark or sitting in the Junior Ranks cafe.

Good news. Well done Eurofighter and BAES.

So who will fly and maintain this fleet of diverse jets?

British mercenaries made redundant from the RAF in the next Defence Revue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heathrow Harry (Post 9986251)

British mercenaries made redundant from the RAF in the next Defence Revue

A "Revue" is a stage show in which a bunch of (usually scantily-clad) dancers ponce around on a stage with singing and dancing without actually achieving anything useful. A "Review" is a management event in which current status is compared to current requirement with a view to planning future needs.

I was aware that Dr Fox conducted one of the former events in 2010, but I was not aware that any more were planned...

PDR

Honestly I know the difference - and the next one will bring an even greater stretching of people, cancellation of kit and mealy -mouthed hand ringing dressed up as "strengthening the UK's Defenses"

So yes - a Revue

PS Something in today's Times saying the Armed Services want an extra £ 4 Bn pronto to tide them over to the next Revue/Review

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadster280 (Post 9981965)

With a population of only 3M, are they going to find enough competent pilots?

The Qatari population is barely 300,000

Exclude 100,000 who are too young or too old.

Exclude the ladies of Qatar who haven't been known to get a hangnail unless someone does it for them, and you're down to 100,000 maximum.

Their land army is mostly mercenaries from African ally states so I cannot see how they will ever use all 72 aircraft - they bought a load of Leopard 2 MBtanks most of which are in storage.

Its a pure leverage buy - no way can they use them without using third country nationals and would you put a state of the art aircraft in the hands of a foreigner whom you pay a pittance who could fly to Iran and be greeted with open arms and a fat cheque ?

But Iran is supporting Qatar.................. anything to irritate Riyadh

The Iranians must be having fun:

"Go on Qatar, see if the French will sell you a fleet and you will have our support..."
"...ok, now try the Brits..."
"...and you might as well give the US a go... and we will help you fill-in the end-user certificates..."

An Al Jazeera article states that the deal includes training and the creation of a Joint Operation Squadron:

"The squadron tackles all air combat operations, ensuring combat readiness for all Qatari and British pilots and technicians," said the statement.

My take on this is that British pilots (and ground crew) will be combat ready, therefore it appears to be more than just a trg organisation. Permanent employment opportunities for ex/current RAF personnel?

Fighting for a foreign government. One hopes this is formally sanctioned by HMG to avoid a rather problematic return to the UK.

In return for 24 orders??? We'd throw in a member of the R oyal family for free.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just This Once... (Post 9987207)

Fighting for a foreign government. One hopes this is formally sanctioned by HMG to avoid a rather problematic return to the UK.

Happened plenty of times before - that's what the Official Secrets Act is for innit?

12 Squadron to Stand Up in joint venture with Qatari's

Perhaps this is the answer we have been looking for ? ;
Defence Minister reveals new RAF Squadron at Qatar event
The number plate of a new Typhoon squadron set to integrate Qatari personnel was revealed by Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin at a reception to celebrate the country’s national day in London today.

Statement here ;
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was in Doha last weekend, where he agreed a package of training and co-operation between the British and Qatari Air Forces which will see them working together more regularly as part of the multi-billion pound deal to supply the country with 24 Typhoon aircraft.

Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin expanded on that agreement at a State of Qatar National Day reception in London today. She revealed that a new UK-based Typhoon joint squadron will be called No. 12 squadron, and that it will temporarily integrate Qatari personnel, including pilots and ground-crew based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin said:

Qatar proudly becomes the ninth nation to buy the world’s leading multi-role combat aircraft.

The formation of a joint squadron means our RAF will take the lead in providing training and support to the Qatari Emiri Air Force as it brings the Typhoon into service.

The Qataris will not be a permanent part of the squadron, but will be integrated ahead of the delivery of the Typhoon aircraft. The move will provide the country with valuable joint frontline experience on an RAF Typhoon Squadron and speed up their preparation for when their own jets are delivered.

The UK and Qatar already share a close defence relationship, with a joint-exercise between the Royal Air Force and Qatar Air force just last week seeing Typhoon aircraft fly over the Arabian Peninsula. Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin visited the country at the end of last month, where she met the pilots taking part in the exercise.

The two countries share mutual interests in countering violent extremism, and ensuring stability in the region, and this formation will further reinforce those ties by helping to prevent terrorism from spreading and protecting the prosperity and security of the UK at home. The new 12 squadron is currently operating Tornados, and will transition to the future Typhoon force.

The biggest export deal for the Typhoon project in a decade, valued at around £6 billion and sustaining thousands of UK jobs, Qatar is the ninth country to purchase the Typhoon. This year also saw the first delivered to Oman, whilst the MOD is leading the offer to replace Belgium’s F-16s with the jets and continues to discuss the prospect of a second batch of sales to Saudi Arabia, as it continues to bang the drum for Britain’s world-leading aerospace industry around the world.

GOV.UK website ;
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/d...at-qatar-event .

https://www.thenational.ae/world/fig...-trip-1.753294

Fighter jet deadline missed as Qatar emir starts UK trip

From ORAC's link

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In light of Qatar’s historic wealth, it was not expected at the time of signing that a large loan would be necessary to fund the first installments. Since the diplomatic boycott imposed on Qatar by the Arab Quartet, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, last year, Doha has engaged in a series of unprecedented debt market issuance exercises.

Economic warfare has ripple effects.

24 July 2018 - 12 Squadron

Quote:

Joint UK-Qatari Typhon Squadron Stands up as defence relationship deepens.

As part of the multi-billion-pound contract to supply Qatar with 24 Typhoon aircraft and 9 Hawk T2 aircraft, No.12 Squadron will integrate Qatari personnel, including pilots and ground-crew, from 2019. The personnel will be initially stationed at RAF Coningsby, and then in Qatar, undertaking a package of training and co-operation with their UK counterparts. It represents a unique initiative, and not since the Second World War and the Battle of Britain has the RAF formed a squadron with another nation.

The Joint Squadron will provide the Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF) with valuable experience operating the aircraft and speed up their preparation for when the first QAAF Typhoon are delivered in 2022.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles...nship-deepens/

Why don't RAF Squadrons and units reform and disband any more?

Because English is a living dynamic language and is ever evolving, which is what makes it such a teriffic thing.

“Disbands” and “re-forms” do seem to make more sense though.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles...oint-squadron/

UK-Qatari Typhoons Take Off As Joint Squadron

The Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) Typhoon Squadron, known as No.12 Squadron, have marked an important milestone as they commenced flying as a Joint Squadron......