Qatar Emiri Air Force signs up for 12 more Rafale combat aircraft

December 8, 2017: It an attempt to reinforce the strength of its military aircraft, Qatar Emiri Air Force and Dassault Aviation recently signed an agreement to acquire 12 additional Rafale combat aircraft, thereby increasing the number to 36.

The deal to procure 12 new Rafale omnirole combat aircraft fitted with cutting-edge technology was signed as a part of a renewed trust in the Dassault Aviation that the Qatari authorities have.

“Qatar relies on Thales and its skills in connectivity technologies, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, all of which were a part of the contract, said Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales Group.

Thales has been present in the Qatar for over 35 years, and currently contributes to the urban transport development project—Doha metro and Lusail tram.

The contract was awarded to RKH Qitarat—a joint-venture formed by French consortium RATP Dev/Keolis and Qatari company Hamad Group.

Thales is also involved in both projects. The group offers advanced communications based train control (CBTC) signalling, telecommunications & security, integrated operational control centre, automatic fare collection systems for the Doha metro, fully integrated solution for supervision for the Lusail Light Rail Transit System.

The combat aircraft is capable of performing a wide range of different tasks—from reconnaissance to air defence and precision strikes, all during a single mission.

The Rafale is designed to meet these needs and is equipped from nose to tail with an array of sophisticated electronics systems and equipment supplied by Thales.

Thales provides a number of state-of-the-art items of equipment and systems aboard the Rafale. It includes the RBE2 AESA radar, the Spectra electronic warfare system, optronics, communication navigation and identification system (CNI), cockpit display systems, power generation systems and a logistics support component.

On the other hand, Thales also has its presence on the Airbus A321 fleet of 50 aircraft bought by Qatar Airways. It equips all Airbus Aircraft cockpits, including the A321 with various intelligent systems.