Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role high performance combat aircraft which was a multi-national development between the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Achieving its first flight in March 1994, deliveries to the partner nations began in August 2003 and the type first saw combat over Libya during 2010 and 2011. The Typhoon has been subject to constant upgrades throughout its service life and most recently has been earmarked for a new far more advanced radar together with the potential for a new touchscreen cockpit to be installed. The Typhoon can carry a variety of air to ground and air to air weaponry including the Meteor long range air to air missile which is arguably considered the best air to air missile in the world. In addition to the partner nations, the Typhoon is operated by Austria, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.

Qatar ordered a fleet of 24 Eurofighter Typhoons in December 2017 and as part of the agreement a joint training squadron on the type was set up at RAF Coningsby where RAF instructors from 12 Squadron train Qatari pilots to fly the Typhoon. The unit also deployed to Qatar during the 2022 world cup to provide air defence for the competition.

Qatar will be exhibiting one of their Typhoons as part of this year’s Air Tattoo static display. The aircraft in question will be provided by BAE Systems from their Warton production line in Lancashire where the aircraft will be awaiting delivery to the Qatari Emiri Air Force. The Typhoon will be displayed alongside other Qatari aircraft to mark the 50th anniversary of their air force.

Photo Credit: Andy Evans