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

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

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:-

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.............

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

PDR

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

At last, proof that Warton are overcharging the MOD!

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?

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

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

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