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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.
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In return for 24 orders??? We'd throw in a member of the R oyal family for free.....
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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.
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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
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. |
24 July 2018 - 12 Squadron
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. |
Why don't RAF Squadrons and units reform and disband any more?
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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...... |
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