Qatar May Order 24 Additional Rafale Jets

Dassault Aviation’s Rafale combat jet is attracting attention from the Middle East and latest to have an eye on the aircraft is Qatar.

French publication LA Tribune reported citing its sources that Qatar is looking to buy 24 more Rafale fighters by 2024. Colombia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Serbia are also interested in the Rafale, the report said.

Qatar bought 24 Rafales for €6.3 billion ($7 billion) in 2015. The contract covered provision of long-range cruise missiles and Meteor missiles as well as the training of 36 Qatari pilots and 100 technicians. Two years later, the country exercised an option to buy 12 more aircraft, while adding an additional option for 36 further fighters.