BAE Systems has started the construction of a technical institute to provide specialist training for Qatar Armed Forces technicians.
The development was marked by a foundation laying ceremony held in Doha. The event was attended by Qatar Armed Forces chief of staff lieutenant general Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim and BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn.
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The company is building the training facility on behalf of the Qatar Armed Forces. The development is expected to strengthen the relationship between the UK and the state of Qatar.
In December 2017, the countries reached an agreement for the sale of Typhoon aircraft and a bespoke training solution.
BAE announced in September that it finalised a £5bn contract to sell 24 Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar. The deal also includes the supply of nine Hawk trainer aircraft and in-service support and initial training.
Woodburn said: “We are proud to play a part in developing Qatar’s future workforce. With the establishment of the technical institute, we will deliver the highest standard of technical training and critical skills to the Qatar Armed Forces.
“This important milestone in our relationship with Qatar underlines BAE Systems’ commitment to working in partnership with our customers as they deliver their national priorities.”
At the new institute, Qatari students will undergo engineering, technical and English language training.
The training facility in Qatar will be equipped with advanced technology and training techniques and will leverage BAE Systems’ global expertise in combat air training solutions.
Students graduating from the training institute will gain internationally recognised qualifications and will be able to support technologically advanced Qatar Armed Forces platforms in the future, BAE noted.
Last month, the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) received the first of 24 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from Boeing.
