Boeing has delivered the first batch of new-generation F-15 fighter aircraft to Qatar, said local reports on Thursday, August 26.
They were produced by the United States and Boeing in partnership with Qatar itself, said the reports.
The rollout reportedly took place on Wednesday in a ceremony at Boeing’s headquarters in the US state of Missouri.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah was said to be in attendance.
The minister said Qatar was acquiring the aircraft, which are believed to have better combat specifications and better speed, for defense purposes.
Qatar signed agreements to buy warplanes from the US and some European nations in 2017 after a political dispute broke out between it and neighbors Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain.
After the Gulf nations imposed a blockade on Doha, it agreed with Washington and Boeing to purchase at least 30 aircraft equipped with the latest technical means.
The maximum number of aircraft Qatar could order is 36, and the deal was valued at $6.2 billion when signed in 2017.
Boeing is reportedly providing maintenance and logistics support for the Qatar F-15QA program during pre-delivery pilot training, which began earlier this year.
Boeing is also expected to establish and operate an aircrew and maintenance training center for the Qatar Emiri Air Force at Al Udeid airbase through 2024.
It is also expected to provide in-country spares and logistics support once aircraft are delivered.