Qatar to receive first batch of Rafale aircraft next year

Doha: Commander of the Emiri Air Force, Major General (Pilot) Mubarak bin Mohammed Al-Kumait Al-Khayarin has revealed that Qatar will receive the first batch of Rafale aircraft next year.

Speaking on the sidelines of DIMDEX 2018, the Commander of the Qatari Air Force praised the developments within the armed forces by supplying them with the latest military equipment in the world, pointing out that the Amiri Air Force has contracted with Italy to buy 28 NH90 helicopters.

He added that these NH90 helicopters will contribute significantly to enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of the Air Force by owning a fleet of the best and newest in the world. He explained that these helicopters will be distributed to the ground support of the ground forces and special forces, operations, in addition to the maritime support.

He said the helicopters were anti-warships and submarines, the only helicopter in the region capable of tracking and dealing with submarines, as a true addition to national security.

He stressed that the NH90 helicopters agreement was an integrated one, indicating that it includes items for training and logistical support, spare parts, and all details related to the aircraft, and will be received in the near future.

The Emiri Air Force Commander confirmed that the idea of the exhibition is not limited to buying and selling, but opens up wide horizons for strategic and future partnerships, noting that the most distinctive of the sixth edition of DMDEX is that it has witnessed many partnerships that open the way to local military manufacturing.