QATAR, UK DISCUSS TYPHOON PURCHASE DEAL

Doha, 22 Dzulhijjah 1436/6 October 2015 (MINA) – The UK has been discussing the sale of Typhoon Eurofighters as part of a scheme to develop the defence systems of Gulf states, the British Ambassador to Qatar Nicholas Hopton revealed yesterday.

“I am very hopeful that at some point in the future the government of Qatar will decide to purchase Typhoon, which is the right aircraft for this country to defend its borders and to ensure it will operate efficiently in responding to crises in the region such as Syria and Yemen,” Hopton said during a press conference in Doha.

“The Qatari government are interested in the aircraft. These discussions are still ongoing and in a constructive and positive atmosphere,” he added.

Hopton also announced that he will be leaving his post this week to take on a new, undisclosed diplomatic posting, adding that he was proud of the bilateral relations between the UK and Qatar.

“These growing ties have witnessed, over the past period, many cultural and commercial events, where British imports to Qatar have increased by 74 per cent last year and trade exchanges have grown,” Hopton said, describing Qatari-British relations as “strong and deep-rooted” and based on “trust and mutual respect”.

Eurofighter Typhoon features modern avionics and sensors, defensive aids sub system (DASS) and distinct weapons, such as Mauser BK-27 27mm cannon, air-to-air, air-to-surface and anti-ship missiles and precision-guided munitions.

In 2007 Saudi Arabia signed a deal to purchase 72 aircrafts valued at €6.4 billion. (T/P002/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)