The story behind Qatar's Dassault Rafale DQ/EQ fleet

Feature

The Qatar Emiri Air Force is currently undergoing what is probably the most dramatic expansion programme that many of us have ever seen. This programme will result in an almost unbelievable increase in aircraft numbers, as well as a quantum leap in capability. Jon Lake reports.

For many years, Qatar operated what was once one of the smallest air arms in the Middle East, with a frontline strength of just nine Mirage 2000-5EDA air defence fighters and three two-seat Mirage 2000-5DDA operational trainers.

Qatari Rafale EQ [Dassault Aviation/A Pecchi]
Qatar’s Rafale procurement is just one part of an air force expansion that will see fighter numbers increase by more than five times. Dassault Aviation/A Pecchi

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Originally published in AirForces Monthly Magazine

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