The Qatar Emiri Air Force has announced it will buy US$23bn (A$24.8bn) of new weapons in a massive re-equipment program.
Heading the list for the gulf state is two Airbus A330 MRTT tankers and three Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft, as well as 24 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, plus 12 NH 90 transport and 10 NFH 90 maritime helicopters.
The A330 MRTT is already in service with neighbouring UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as Australia and the UK. The 737 AEW&C is based on the E-7 Wedgetail developed for Australia, the Peace Eye AEW&C entering service with South Korea and the Peace Eagle AEW&C for Turkey.
Qatar is also reportedly in discussions to buy up to 72 new combat aircraft to bolster its air defences and to replace its ageing Mirage 2000 fleet. It has reportedly received interest from Boeing with the F-15E Advanced Eagle and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault with its Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Lockheed Martin F-16.
