The Qatari Emiri Air Force (QEAF) is scheduled to receive the first batch of six of 36 F-15QA multirole fighter jets it has ordered early next 2019.
Brigadier General Eisa al-Mohannadi, the Qatari Emiri Air Force (QEAF) officer heading the programme, made the revelation to media journalist when made a press trip to Al-Udeid Air Base on 26 November.
He highlighted that that the deliveries of the multirole fighters will begin with taking delivery of six fighters beginning 2019 and delivery will continue through late 2022 and entire fleet delivery of 36 aircraft being fully operational by 2023.
The F-15QA, the Qatari version of the F-15E Advanced Eagle, will be known as the Ababil in QAEF service and will be based at Al-Udeid.
Brigadier General Eisa also highlighted why QAEF had selected F-15QAs. He noted that the aircraft has the longest unrefuelled range and heaviest payload. The aircraft has world class speeds, climb rate and advanced weaponry capability thus the aircraft will effectively be able to defend Qatar from air, land, and maritime threats.
He also added, that F-15QA fighter is fully interoperable with the US Air Force (USAF).