Qatar Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohammed al Attiyah has signed a Statement of Intent with UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon to purchase Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft.
The Middle Eastern country seeks to purchase 24 Typhoon aircraft from the UK’s BAE Systems, according to media sources.
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The Statement of Intent is expected to further strengthen military cooperation between the two countries and provide an opportunity to further enhance the security of all partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Fallon said: "This will be the first major defence contract with Qatar, one of the UK’s strategic partners. This is an important moment in our defence relationship and the basis for even closer defence cooperation between our two countries.
"We also hope that this will help enhance security within the region across all Gulf allies and enhance Typhoon interoperability across the GCC.
“The security of the GCC, of all Gulf countries, is critical to the UK’s own security.”
Both the countries are committed to counter violent extremism, as well as ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The Typhoon is expected to benefit Qatar’s military capability and support Royal Air Force operations.
The aircraft has already been purchased by eight nations around the world.
