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Qatar Emiri Air Force

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Qatar Emiri Air Force
القوات الجوية الأميرية القطرية
seal of the Qatar Emiri Air Force
Founded1974; 52 years ago (1974)
CountryQatar
TypeAir Force
RoleAerial Warfare
Size2,000 personnel[1]
Part ofQatar Armed Forces
Garrison/HQAl-Udeid Air Base
Engagements
Commanders
Chief of the Qatar Emiri Air ForceMajor General (Pilot) Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Dosari
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign
Aircraft flown
FighterRafale, Typhoon, F-15QA
HelicopterNH90, AS350 Écureuil, AW139
Attack helicopterAH-64E Apache
TrainerSuper Mushshak, PC-21, Hawk 167, M-346 Master
TransportC-130J-30 Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III

The Qatar Emiri Air Force (Arabic: القوات الجوية الأميرية القطرية, romanized: Al-Quwwat Al-Jawiyah Al-Amiriyah Al-Qatariyah) (QEAF) is the air arm of the armed forces of the state of Qatar. It was established in 1974 as a small aerial support wing, although in modern times it has evolved into a potent, well equipped force. The QEAF is headquartered at Al-Udeid Air Base[2] in Doha; the current commander is Major General (Pilot) Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Dosari.

History

[edit]

In March 1967, in response to the British announcement that it would withdraw its armed forces from the Persian Gulf, Qatar set up armed forces, creating the Qatar Public Security Forces Air Wing, equipped with two Westland Whirlwind helicopters. In 1971, it acquired a combat capability when it purchased three ex-RAF Hawker Hunter jet fighters, which remained in use until 1981. It was renamed the Qatar Emiri Air Force in 1974.[3]

The air force began a major expansion in 1979, when it ordered six Alpha Jet trainer/light attack aircraft. This was followed by orders for 14 Mirage F1 supersonic jet fighters in 1980, which were delivered between 1980 and 1984. Twelve Gazelle helicopters, armed with HOT anti-tank missiles were received from 1983. Also in 1983, the air force took over the Qatar Police Air Wing.[4]

In 1991, the Qatari Air Force took part in the Gulf War on the side of the allies.[5]

In 2005, the Air Force participated in Exercise Eagle Resolve, along with Qatari medical services and emergency medical teams to build interoperability with their US counterparts. The US 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit took part in this exercise to validate the nation's crisis management plan prior to hosting the 2006 Asian Games.

Other acquisitions have been for an order of 59 AW139 helicopters.[6] The helicopters are used for utility tasks, troop transport, search and rescue, border patrol, special forces operations, and law enforcement. Three additional aircraft were ordered in March 2011 for Medevac services.[7]

By 2010, the Qatar Emiri Air Force's personnel strength was at 2,100 and its equipment included the Mirage 2000-3EDA, the SA 342L Gazelle, and the C-17A Globemaster III. Aircraft either flew out of al-Udeid field or Doha International Airport and received training from British instructors. In January 2011, the Air Force evaluated the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle and the Dassault Rafale to replace, and significantly expand from, its then-current fighter inventory of twelve Dassault Mirage 2000-5s.[8] In May 2015, the QAF awarded the contract for 24 Dassault Rafale fighters worth €6.3 billion ($7 billion).[9][10]

In July 2012, the Qatar Air Force ordered a complete pilot training system from Pilatus centering upon the PC-21. The package included ground-based training devices, logistical support and maintenance in addition to 24 PC-21 aircraft.

In June 2015, the QAF ordered four additional C-17s, to supplement the existing four delivered in 2009 and 2012.

In September 2016, the sale of up to 72 F-15QAs to Qatar was submitted to the US Congress for approval.[11][12] The deal (for 36 planes plus an option for 36 more),[13] valued at US$21.1 billion, was signed in November 2016.[14]

In September 2017, the QAF ordered 24 Typhoon fighter jets from the UK.[15]

In December 2017, the QAF ordered 12 additional Rafale fighter jets from France, with an option for 36 more.[16]

In August 2018, Qatar announced the construction of a new air base: Dukhan / Tamim Airbase, named after Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. In addition to the new air base, Al Udeid Air Base and Doha International Air Base were planned to expand in order to accommodate aircraft on order.[17]

The country includes three different types of fighter jets from three different countries in its fleet, each requiring distinct maintenance and repair contracts, which some have criticized as an unusually complex arrangement for such a small nation. This was a "strategic hedge", but also a significant logistical challenge.[18]

Recent disclosures, the latest of which was published in November 2024, uncovered corruption and bribery related to Qatar's arms contracts over the past decade. Several companies engaged in business partnerships with Qatar have been ordered to pay penalties in connection with bribery charges.[19][20][21][22][23]

On 10 October 2025, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hesgeth announced an agreement with Qatar to establish a QAF facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. It is planned to host a contingent of F-15QAs.[24][25]

On 2 March 2026, two Iranian low-flying Su-24 tactical bombers (carrying outside weapons) were targeting al-Udeid and Ras Laffan Industrial City during the 2026 Iran conflict. After they did not respond to radio warnings, a QAF F-15QA shot them down. This marks the first aerial kills achieved by the Qatar Emiri Air Force.[26][27][28][18]

Airbases

[edit]
  • Al Udeid Air Base[29]
    • Flying Wing 5 'Ababil'
      • 51st Squadron – 12 × McDonnell Douglas F-15QA Strike Eagle
      • 52nd Squadron – 12 × McDonnell Douglas F-15QA Strike Eagle
      • 53rd Squadron – 12 × McDonnell Douglas F-15QA Strike Eagle
    • Flying Wing 8
      • 10th Transport Squadron – 8 × Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
    • Flying Wing 10
      • 12th Transport Squadron – 4 × C-130/J-30 Super Hercules
    • Flying Wing 3
      • 20th Squadron – 13 × Agusta Westland AW139
      • 21st Squadron – 13 × Agusta Westland AW139
      • 22nd Squadron – 13 × Agusta Westland AW139
  • Al Zaeem Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Air College (at Al Udeid Airbase)
      • ?? Squadron – 8 × MFI-395 Super Mushshak
      • 31st Squadron – 24 × Pilatus PC-21
        A Mirage 2000-5 of the QEAF during the 2011 Libya intervention.
      • ?? Squadron – 6 × M-346 Master
  • Doha International Air Base (at Doha International Airport)
    • Flying Wing 1
      • 7th Squadron – 12 x Eurofighter Typhoon
      • 12th Squadron - 12 × Eurofighter Typhoon
      • 11th Squadron - Hawk Mk.167
    • Flying Wing 2
      • 6th Squadron – 14 × SA342 Gazelle (to be replaced with 16 x H125)
      • 8th Squadron – NFH90
      • 9th Squadron – NH90
    • Flying Wing 4
      • 41st Squadron – 12 × Boeing AH-64E Apache
      • 42nd Squadron - 12 x Boeing AH-64E Apache
  • Dukhan / Tamim Airbase
    • Flying Wing 6 'Al Adiyat'
      • 1st Fighter Squadron – 11 × Dassault Rafale
      • 61st Fighter Squadron – 10 × Dassault Rafale
      • 62nd Fighter Squadron – 10 × Dassault Rafale
  • RAF Leeming

Equipment

[edit]

Current aircraft inventory

[edit]
A Rafale fighter aircraft flies above Qatar after receiving fuel
An AW139 flies during the QEAF Lahoub exercise
A C-130J flies overhead
Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Combat aircraft
Dassault Rafale France Swingrole fighter, single-seater EQ (F3-R) 30[31] 18 ordered in 2015.[32]
12 ordered in 2018.[33]
Conversion trainer DQ (F3-R) 6[31] 6 ordered in 2015.[34]
Eurofighter Typhoon Germany /
United Kingdom /
Italy /
Spain 		Swingrole fighter, single-seater Tranche 3A 32[31] 32 ordered in 2017 new deal 12 jet in 2025.[35]
(QA404 - QA423)
Conversion trainer 4[31] 4 ordered in 2017.[35]
(QA400 - QA403)
F-15 Advanced Eagle United States Strike fighter F-15QA 36[31] 36 ordered in 2017.[36]
Military transport aircraft
C-17 Globemaster III United States Strategic airlifter – 8[31] 1 used for the Qatar Amiri Flight
C-130J Super Hercules Tactical airlifter – 4[31]
Pilatus PC-24 Switzerland VIP transport – 1[37]
Helicopters
AH-64 Apache United States Attack AH-64E 24[31]
Aérospatiale Gazelle France Scout (armed) SA342 13[31]
NHIndustries NH90 France
Germany

Netherlands 		Utility / transport TTH 15[31] 28 ordered in 2018[38]
Maritime surveillance, transport and SAR NFH 12[31]
AgustaWestland AW139 Italy Utility / transport – 19[31]
AgustaWestland AW109 Utility / transport – 2[31]
Trainer aircraft
PAC Super Mushshak Pakistan Ab initio MFI-395 8[31]
Pilatus PC-21 Basic and advanced trainer – 24[31]
M-346 Master Italy Lead-in fighter trainer T346A 6[39] Operated at the International Flight Training School.[40]
BAE Hawk United Kingdom Lead-in fighter trainer Hawk 167 9[39] Ordered in 2018, operated in the UK.[41]
Pilatus PC-24 Switzerland Multi-engine trainer – 1[31]
AgustaWestland AW169 Italy Rotorcraft trainer – 4[42]
Unmanned aerial vehicle
Baykar Bayraktar TB2 Turkey ISR, combat – 6[43] With 3 ground stations.[44]

Reserve fleet

[edit]
Mirage 2000
Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Combat aircraft
Dassault Mirage 2000 France Multirole fighter 2000-5EDA 9[31] 9 ordered in 1994.[45]
Alphajet France /
Germany 		Light attack aircraft Alphajet E 6[31]
Trainer aircraft
Dassault Mirage 2000 France Conversion trainer 2000-5DDA 3[31] 3 ordered in 1994.[45]

Air surveillance

[edit]
  • GM200 MM/A radars and GM400α radars ordered in January 2026.[46]

Retired equipment

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]

Previous notable aircraft operated consisted of the Mirage 2000, Westland Commando, Hawker Hunter, Dassault Mirage F1, Piper PA-34 Seneca, Boeing 707, Boeing 727, Westland Whirlwind, Britten-Norman Islander, and the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter.[47][48][49]

Ranks

[edit]
Officers
Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
 Qatar Emiri Air Force
فريق أول‎‎
Fariq 'awal 		فريق
Fariq 		لواء
Liwa 		عميد
Amid 		عقيد
Aqid 		مقدم
Muqaddam 		رائد
Ra'id 		نقيب
Naqib 		ملازم أول
Mulazim awwal 		ملازم
Mulazim
Enlisted and NCOs
Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
 Qatar Emiri Air Force
 No insignia
وكيل اول
Wakil awwal 		وكيل ثاني
Wakil thani 		رقيب
Raqib 		نائب
Nayib 		عريف
Earif 		وكيل عريف
Wakil earif 		جندي
Jundi‎‎

Bribe allegations

[edit]

During 2024 it was reported that the RTX Corporation, the U.S. defense contractor formerly known as Raytheon, has agreed to pay a criminal fine of around $252 million, as part of a settlement with the U.S. government over charges that it paid bribes to secure defense contracts with Qatar.[50] The report states this is an agreement, that resolves charges under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and related statutes, comes as part of broader fraud and bribery claims tied to its overseas dealings.[50]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Qatar Air Force.
  1. ^ Qarjouli, Asmahan (26 April 2023). "Qatar second top military spender in Gulf region". Doha News. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  2. ^ Cordesman, Anthony H.; Al-Rodhan, Khalid R. (2007). Gulf Military Forces in an Era of Asymmetric Wars. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-275-99400-6.
  3. ^ Air International September 1988, p. 136.
  4. ^ Air International September 1988, pp. 136, 139.
  5. ^ "Gulf war fast facts". CNN Editorial Research. 2020. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  6. ^ Qatar Armed Forces Sign Contract for 18 AW139 Helicopters. Asd-network.com. Retrieved on 2011-03-28.
  7. ^ "The Qatar Armed Forces Order Three EMS-Configured AW139s" Archived May 5, 2014, at the Wayback Machine Agusta Westland 21 March 2011
  8. ^ "US Bid Delays Qatar Jet Competition" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 December 2019.
  9. ^ Corbet, Sylvie (30 April 2015). "France sells 24 Rafale fighter jets to Qatar in a $7 billion deal". Associated Press News. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015.
  10. ^ "Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)". Global Security. Archived from the original on 28 February 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  11. ^ "U.S. set to approve sales of Boeing fighters to Qatar, Kuwait - sources". Reuters. 1 September 2016. Archived from the original on 30 September 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  12. ^ "Fighter Jet Sales to Gulf Allies Backed by U.S. After a Wait". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. 29 September 2016. Archived from the original on 28 September 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  13. ^ "US Allows Qatar to Buy F-15s — and Seals a $19B Sale of Jetliners". Defense One. 11 October 2016.
  14. ^ "Qatar and Kuwait fighter deals signed off". Combat Aircraft. 18 November 2016. Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  15. ^ "UK to supply Qatar with 24 Typhoon fighter jets". Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  16. ^ "Visite d'Emmanuel Macron au Qatar: Doha achète 12 Rafale et 50 Airbus" (in French). France24. 7 December 2017. Archived from the original on 13 December 2017.
  17. ^ Binnie, Jeremy (29 August 2018). "Qatar announces new airbase". IHS Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  18. ^ a b Larson, Caleb (4 March 2026). "F-15s, Eurofighter Typhoons and Dassault Rafale Fighters: Qatar's Air Force Is Now Fighting Iran".
  19. ^ "Defense contractor to pay $252M penalty to resolve Qatar bribery charges". Voice of America. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  20. ^ Rohde, Ruth (2024). "Raytheon's Dirty Business in Qatar (Sham Contracts)". Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  21. ^ "Arms trade corruption – what do we know?". World Peace Foundation. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  22. ^ Dou, Eva (2024). "Raytheon to pay $950 million to settle fraud, Qatar bribery charges".
  23. ^ "Defense contractor RTX agrees to pay more than $950 million to resolve bribery, fraud claims". AP News. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  24. ^ "@atrupar.com on Bluesky".
  25. ^ Chu, Bonny (10 October 2025). "Pentagon agrees to host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots at Idaho air base". Fox News.
  26. ^ "Qatar downs two Iranian fighter jets as conflict widens". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  27. ^ D'Urso, Stefano (2 March 2026). "Qatar Shoots Down Two Iranian Su-24 Fencer Tactical Bombers". The Aviationist. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  28. ^ Salem, Mostafa (4 March 2026). "Exclusive: Minutes from disaster — how Qatar shot down two Iranian bombers in its first aerial combat operation". CNN. Retrieved 4 March 2026.
  29. ^ "Armed Forces Overview – Qatar Emiri Air Force". Archived from the original on 14 October 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  30. ^ "Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force Expand Defence Partnership". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Page 28 - World Air Forces 2026". Archived from the original on 10 December 2025.
  32. ^ Charpentreau, Clement (7 February 2019). "Qatar Air Force gets first Rafale for its fighter jet cocktail - AeroTime". www.aerotime.aero. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  33. ^ Tran, Pierre (30 March 2018). "Qatar makes down payment to Dassault for 12 more Rafale jets". Defense News. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  34. ^ "The story behind Qatar's Dassault Rafale DQ/EQ fleet". www.key.aero. 16 August 2022. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  35. ^ a b "Qatar buys 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in £6bn deal". www.bbc.com. 10 December 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  36. ^ "Boeing promises 'Raptor-like' F-15 Advanced Eagle displays at RIAT and Farnborough - European Security & Defence". 12 July 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  37. ^ Ganta, Himaja (23 April 2021). "Pilatus reveals PC-24 light jet deal with Qatar Emiri Air Force". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  38. ^ "State of Qatar signs contract for 28 NH90 multirole helicopters | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  39. ^ a b Kington, Tom (27 January 2022). "Leonardo confirms Qatar as latest M-346 jet trainer client". Defense News. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  40. ^ "Qatar". www.leonardo.com. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  41. ^ "Qatar adds Hawk to Typhoon procurement order". Royal Aeronautical Society. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  42. ^ "Qatar confirms AW169 order". janes.com. 16 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  43. ^ "Turkey delivered Bayraktar TB2 drones to Qatari Emirati Armed Forces – Global Defense Corp". Globaldefensecorp.com. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  44. ^ "Bayraktar TB2 | Shephard". plus.shephardmedia.com. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  45. ^ a b "Qatar buys Mirage jets from France - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  46. ^ "Thales supports the Qatar Emiri Air Force in strengthening its air protection with the GM400α and the GM200MM/A radars air surveillance systems". www.thalesgroup.com. 28 January 2026. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  47. ^ "World Air Forces 1985 pg. 70". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  48. ^ Bauer, Anne (19 November 2021). "Ares, la PME française qui rachète les Mirage du Qatar". Les Echos (in French). Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  49. ^ "QEAF Westland Commando helicopters to Pakistan". Scramble. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  50. ^ a b "Defense contractor RTX agrees to pay more than $950 million to resolve bribery, fraud claims". AP News. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
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