Qatar has embarked on one of the most advanced military programs seen in the Middle East recently. Its armed forces are growing exponentially as the air force increases in size from 12 to 96 fighter jets, with more on the way. Its army and navy have expanded rapidly as Qatar spends billions of dollars to defend itself.
Qatar, with the large number of evacuees, has traditionally focused on internal security but the sharp decline in relations with its well-armed neighbors has forced it to reassess on the weapon.
Relations recalled after the Arab Spring when all countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sought to support and support a number of groups in the escalating conflicts in Libya and Syria. Regional enmity grew sharply in 2014 when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain reminded ambassadors from Qatar. Although they were returned to Doha several months later it was clear that there had been a major shift within the GCC that never seemed to cure soon. Qatar was quietly looking to mobilize its scarce armed forces.
Increasingly lower within the GCC, Qatar was seeking allies in the region. It was already home to the major Al Udeid airport, the headquarters for the United States General Command, or CENTCOM. The base has more than 10,000 employees and is a major American asset in the Middle East, making Qatar a key friend.
Turkey has also provided widespread support. In a demonstration of solidarity in 2016, Turkey was allowed to establish an arms base in Qatar, first home to hundreds of Turkish workers sent to train to bring the Qatari gendarmerie and special forces. to train. He also sent a message that Qatar was not alone and had powerful allies in the region. As part of the growing military cooperation between the two countries, the decision immediately provoked a hostile response from Qatar’s neighbors.
The decline in regional relations reached a critical point in June 2017 when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, in a coordinated effort, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. Surrounded by a mercurial Trump administration in Washington, DC, these countries reminded their ambassadors, overthrew Qatar and severely curtailed the country. The immediate closure of the Turkish base was among a list of requests sent to Qatar.
With the threat of an attack from Saudi Arabia and the UAE a visible reality, Qatar sought to accelerate its arms supply program.
In this file photo from September 2017, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani poses for a photo with Emiri Air Force at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar [File: QNA via AP Photo]Purchase of arms
Of all the branches of the Qatari army, the air force is receiving the largest expansion. In 2017 there was the Qatari Emiri Air Force, or QEAF, with a dozen French Mirage 2000 fighter jets and some Alpha trains. The relatively small number of Mirages would be hopelessly dispelled by the large, modern air forces of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Qatar addressed the imbalance with three significant purchases of advanced, advanced combat jets.
In May 2015 Doha signed a $ 6bn contract with French aerospace giant Dassault for 24 Rafale fighter jets. A further 12 were ordered in 2018 as part of the first contract, bringing the total to 36. Qatar also has the option to purchase an additional 36.
The Rafale is an advanced multiplayer combat jet. Combined with proven and highly mobile, it can carry large payloads of weapons, carry a wide variety of missions – providing operational flexibility that designers need – and is a powerful addition to any air force force record.
Qatar did not stop there. In 2017 it signed a $ 12bn contract with US manufacturer Boeing for 36 advanced fighter jets F-15QA. Although an old airframe, the F-15QA is the most advanced of its line, specializing in air command and, increasingly, long-range ground attack. The Qatari version is capable of carrying more weapons and the sensors have been updated.
Trying to further diversify the air force, Qatar signed a letter of intent with the United Kingdom in September 2017 for 24 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. It is another advanced aircraft, a complete air command, but capable of taking on a wide variety of missions.
In this file photo from November 2017, UK and Qatar air forces conduct a weapons drill with Typhoon fighter jets [File: Defence Ministry of Qatar via Anadolu Agency/Getty Images]
The three countries, the US, France and the UK, agreed to train Qatari pilots and supply and train ground crews in a message of support but clear support for Qatar. The QEAF will soon expand its small and commanding fleet of 12 fighters to 96 advanced fighter jets, making it one of the most powerful air forces in the region.
Growing Turkey ties
Defensive ties with Turkey Qatar have also been strengthened. Turkey’s industrial weapons center is rapidly maturing and many of its weapons have earned a reputation for fighting. Qatar has bought and acquired six Bayraktar TB2 drones. He has also built two large cadet training vessels in Turkey as well as a fleet of speed patrol boats for the coast guard.
Tested to increase its military capabilities on land, Qatar has sought to significantly expand its fleet of major battle tanks. Bought and saw the delivery of 62 advanced German Leopard 2A7, this is probably one of the best tanks on the market. These are adapted to fight especially at high temperatures and desert sandy soils.
This file photo from June 2017 shows armored ships during a naval exercise with U.S. and Qatari troops in the Gulf [File: Naseem Zeitoon/Reuters]
In addition, there is an order for Altay’s 100 main Turkish battle tanks. However, the program has been in trouble while its development is flowing, contributing to delays in production. It is now unlikely that any Altay tanks will be delivered next year or so.
Despite this turmoil, the Qatari Army has a much larger military force, especially when combined with the recent purchase of German automotive artillery and short-range ballistic missiles from China. Qatar has also expressed interest in purchasing an effective, but politically controversial, S-400 air defense system.
The Qatari navy is not going to be left behind as Italian manufacturer Fincantieri has been awarded a contract to build four corvettes and a dock to reach amphibians. The Italian defense company has been awarded a contract to build submarines for Qatar as well as build an offshore base for Qatar’s navy.
Rapid military expansion is not without its challenges. Purchasing weapons from multiple countries means that supply and supply can be an issue. Integrating increasingly complex systems into a unified structure can also be challenging. Humanitarianism is the biggest obstacle for Qatari militants. In a small country with a population of 2.78 million, workers with competent training in 21st century weapons and war tactics are relatively scarce.
Nevertheless, the rapid expansion of Qatar’s armed forces had not been so scarce. In just a few years, every branch of his weaponry has grown in size with orders of magnitude, their firepower and training moving at high speed. Qatar was previously a country with a rich but meager currency, and Qatar has grown into a powerful regional force, with alliances both within and outside the region.