The Qatar Emiri Air Force (Template:Langx) (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[1] in Doha; the current commander is Brigadier General (Pilot) Jassem Mohamed Al-Mannai.
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.[2]
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.[3]
In 1991, the Qatari Air Force took part in the Gulf War on the side of the allies.[4]
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.[5] 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.[6]
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.[10][11] The deal (for 36 planes plus an option for 36 more),[12] valued at US$21.1 billion, was signed in November 2016.[13]
In September 2017, the QAF ordered 24 Typhoon fighter jets from the UK.[14]
In December 2017, the QAF ordered 12 additional Rafale fighter jets from France, with an option for 36 more.[15]
Recent research, the latest of which was published in November 2024, uncovers corruption and bribery related to Qatar’s growing influence over the past decade. The country’s choice of military aircraft also raises suspicion: it includes three different types of planes from three different countries, each requiring distinct maintenance and repair contracts—an unusually complex arrangement for such a small nation. Several companies engaged in business partnerships with Qatar have been ordered to pay penalties in connection with bribery charges.[17][18][19][20]
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