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F-15E - Image: From the net
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By: Aaron
Mehta
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has approved a support
package for Qatar’s fleet of F-15QA fighters, with a potential price tag of
$1.1 billion.
The U.S. and Qatar signed a $12 billion agreement to purchase 72
F-15QA fighters in June, but this support package was not included in that
figure.
In June, long-simmering tension between Qatar and its neighbors
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates erupted, with the latter pair leading
a coalition of countries that shut down relations with Doha.
While U.S. President Donald Trump initially showed support for the
Saudi position, others in the administration have downplayed that reaction.
Qatar is home to Al-Udeid Air Base, a central part of the U.S. air war in Iraq
and Syria that houses 10,000 American troops.
In an announcement posted to the website of the Defense Security
Cooperation Agency, the State Department claims “Qatar is an important force
for political stability and economic progress in the Persian Gulf region.”
“Our mutual defense interests anchor our relationship and the Qatar
Emiri Air Force (QEAF) plays a predominant role in Qatar’s defense,” the
announcement adds.
Included in the package will be design and construction services,
new parking/loading ramps, hot cargo pads, taxiways, hangars, back shops, alert
facilities, weapons storage areas, hardened shelters, squadron operations
facilities, maintenance facilities, training facilities, information technology
support and cyber facilities, force protection-support facilities, squadron
operations facilities, other F-15QA related support structures,
construction/facilities/design services, cybersecurity services,
mission-critical computer resources, support services, force protection
services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
A prime contractor to supply infrastructure will be determined
through competition at a later date. Similarly, any offset packages, common for
dealing with Qatar, will be finalized once a contractor is selected.
As with previous DSCA announcements, this represents a notification
to Congress that a deal has been approved and not a final contract. Hence, the
dollar figure will likely change in a final agreement.
Original post: defensenews.com
Note: Error in the report the sale was for 36 F-15E for $12 billion not 72
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F-15E: Details
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