In a bid to bolster security, Qatar inks $12bn deal with USA for F-15 jets
After recent developments in the region, Qatar is taking enhanced steps to ensure its own safety and security. As part of the new push, the country has signed an agreement with the United States to purchase F-15 fighter jets.
The initial cost of the deal, signed by HE the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and US Secretary of Defence James Mattis in Washington DC, is $12bn, reported Gulf Times.
“The agreement underscores Qatar’s longstanding commitment in jointly working with our friends and allies in the United States in advancing our military co-operation for closer strategic collaboration in our fight to counter violent extremism and promote peace and stability in our region and beyond,” said Dr Al Attiyah.
The sale “will give Qatar a state-of-the-art capability and increase security cooperation and interoperability between the United States and Qatar,” the US Defence Department said in a statement.
Although there are no clear indications about the final number of jets that will be purchased, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that it could reach as high as 36.
Last year, the US Congress had approved a sale of as many as 72 F-15s in an agreement valued at as much as $21bn, providing authorisation for the deal completed Wednesday.
Boeing assembled the F-15 in St. Louis County, but a network of suppliers means there could be as many as 60,000 new jobs created in 42 US states.
Two US naval ships in Qatar for joint exercises
Meanwhile, two US Navy vessels arrived in Doha on Wednesday for a joint exercise with Qatar's fleet, reported Al Jazeera.
The American boats arrived at Hamad Port south of Doha ‘to participate in a joint exercise with the Qatari Emiri Navy,’ according to Reuters.
Qatari navy officers received the crews of the two vessels. It was unclear if the arrival of the two warships was planned before the Gulf rift or if was a sign of support from the Pentagon.
"Okay you tell, if not from US from where we would get the fighter planes ?" said Molten Metal. From France, you ignorant! Because, yes indeed F15 was a very good plane... in the seventies!!! First flight took place 27th july 1972! Since then, there are tens of better, newer, cheaper and more efficient planes in the world including the very best of them, french "Rafale" which Qatar just bought 29 of them... No need crapy 40 years old aircraft for Qatar defense... except may be to show political submission to America and please your lord Mister Trump!!!
You guys do not understand security. For our defence we need to arrange the fighter planes. Okay you tell, if not from US from where we would get the fighter planes ?
the "bully" and the "businessman"
May 11, 2017, US approves $2 billion arms sale to UAE
May 20, 2017, US and Saudi Arabia sign arms deals worth almost $110bn
June 14, 2017, U.S., Qatar Move Toward Arms Deal Estimated at $12 Billion
...what explanation do we need on why the on-going gulf crisis is happening?
So, USA has got what he wanted. Now rest assured this GCC crisis will over soon.
So, USA has got what he wanted. Now rest assured this GCC crisis will over soon.