London: Qatar’s Military Attache in the UK, Brigadier General Staff Ali Mohamed Al Fadala, announced the completion of training and preparation of Qatari operational and technical crews for the British Typhoon aircraft purchased through a deal for 24 fighters.
In an interview with QNA from London, Al Fadala said Qatari operational and technical crews are working with their British counterparts in the joint squadron until the planes are received, adding that the aircraft has high capabilities and is a combat addition to our air forces.
He added that the visit by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to London is a sign of building and strengthening strategic cooperation between the two leaderships and the two countries in a manner that serves their common goals and interests and contributes to achieving regional stability, security and global peace.
He said that defence cooperation between the two countries is within the framework of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), explaining that the military cooperation consists of strengthening the means of cooperation in the defence and military fields between the Ministries of Defence in Qatar and the UK, according to the directives of the high command of the Ministry of Defence and the Qatari Armed Forces.
He pointed out that a solid defence partnership has been built with the British Ministry of Defense through concluding contracts with defense companies in the United Kingdom in the field of defense and military manufacturing, strengthening research and development programs and transferring expertise in the defense and military fields.
Brigadier General Staff Ali Mohamed Al Fadala added that there has been a boom and great development in defense cooperation in recent years between the two countries. This can be seen through the bilateral meetings between senior leaders of officials on both sides in the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom, which aim to enhance aspects of joint work that resulted in the establishment of a number of joint air squadrons, including Joint Operations Squadron 12 and Joint Training Squadron 11, in addition to a deal to purchase Typhoon fighter aircraft and Hawk training aircraft and the signing of an agreement to provide logistical support to the Qatari Amiri Navy. The State of Qatar also played a major role in evacuating British nationals from Afghanistan using air transport aircraft, he said.
The Military Attache pointed out that the most prominent aspects of defense cooperation are also represented in the field of military training, joint exercises and other military fields between the two sides.
