After recent developments in the region, Qatar is taking enhanced steps to ensure its own safety and security. As part of the new push, the country has signed an agreement with the United States to purchase F-15 fighter jets.

The initial cost of the deal, signed by HE the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and US Secretary of Defence James Mattis in Washington DC, is $12bn, reported Gulf Times.

“The agreement underscores Qatar’s longstanding commitment in jointly working with our friends and allies in the United States in advancing our military co-operation for closer strategic collaboration in our fight to counter violent extremism and promote peace and stability in our region and beyond,” said Dr Al Attiyah.

The sale “will give Qatar a state-of-the-art capability and increase security cooperation and interoperability between the United States and Qatar,” the US Defence Department said in a statement.

Although there are no clear indications about the final number of jets that will be purchased, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that it could reach as high as 36.

Last year, the US Congress had approved a sale of as many as 72 F-15s in an agreement valued at as much as $21bn, providing authorisation for the deal completed Wednesday.

Boeing assembled the F-15 in St. Louis County, but a network of suppliers means there could be as many as 60,000 new jobs created in 42 US states.

Two US naval ships in Qatar for joint exercises

Meanwhile, two US Navy vessels arrived in Doha on Wednesday for a joint exercise with Qatar's fleet, reported Al Jazeera.

The American boats arrived at Hamad Port south of Doha ‘to participate in a joint exercise with the Qatari Emiri Navy,’ according to Reuters.

Qatari navy officers received the crews of the two vessels. It was unclear if the arrival of the two warships was planned before the Gulf rift or if was a sign of support from the Pentagon.