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Further Reading

Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)

At the time of independence on September 3, 1971, the armed forces consisted of little more than the Royal Guard Regiment and some scattered units equipped with a few armored cars and four aircraft. By 1992 it had grown to a force of 7,500, including an air force of 800.

The air force was equipped with combat aircraft and armed helicopters. In the 1990s its fighter aircraft include Alpha Jets with a fighter-ground attack capability and one air defense squadron of Mirage F1s, all purchased from France. All of the aircraft are based at Doha International Airport. The planned purchase from the United States of Hawk and Patriot missile systems will give Qatar a modern ground-based air defense. British pilots on detail in Oman remained on duty with the air force, and French specialists are employed in a maintenance capacity. Nevertheless, an increasing number of young Qataris have been trained as pilots and technicians.

Beginning on January 22, 1991, Qatari aircraft joined other countries in carrying out strikes against Iraqi forces. United States, Canadian, and French fighter squadrons flew daily missions from Doha during the gulf war. One Qatari tank was lost in the engagement, and a number of Arab soldiers were killed or wounded. No Qatari combat deaths were reported during the war.

By 2010 the Qatar Emiri Air Force's (QEAF) personnel strength measures 2100 and among its arsenal of equipment is the Mirage 2000-3EDA combat aircraft, the SA 342L Gazelle and WS.61 Commando Mk 3 combat helicopters, as well as the C-17A Globemaster III transport vehicle. It has two air bases located at al-Udeid and Doha International Airport (IAP) and receives training from its British allies. It also participates in joint exercises, specifically with its GCC counterparts. While the QEAF has a few assets, it has been negotiating with India to sell is combat aircraft and its helicopters are in need of refurbishment.

In July 2010 Qatar requested the usual leading manufacturers for proposals to replace its ageing 12 Dasault Mirage 2000-5s. This competition is likely to involve BAE Systems with the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing offering the F/A-18 E/F and the F-15, Dassault with its Rafale, Lockheed Martin with the F-16 and F-35, and Saab offering the Gripen NG. The goal is to make a selection before the end of 2012, with 24-36 fighters initially projected as likely to be acquired. Some sources reported that the Qatari Air Force might seeks up to 40 fighter jets.

Qatar and Kuwait are considering buying French Rafale fighter jets, but are waiting to see whether the United Arab Emirates will make a purchase first. French defence minister Gerard Longuet said 09 January 2012 that "They are in effect interested but they won't know for sure until the first one jumps in." The UAE is in talks with France to buy 60 Rafales. Industry experts have estimated that Kuwait needs 18-22 new fighter jets and that Qatar needs 24. After opening talks on the purchase in 2008, the UAE said in November 2011 that the offer for Rafales from France's Dassault Aviation was uncompetitive and opened up the tender to competition.