Qatar has made great strides in the field of defense to ensure its security and safety. 

In recent years, the country has inked several deals with the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, among others, to boost its defense capabilities.

According to a recent announcement made by His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, Qatar's Armed Forces will soon have its first female fighter pilot.

HE the Minister highlighted this at one of the sessions of the ongoing third edition of the Najah Qatari Festival, which features some of the country's top achievements and successes.  

"We have quite a good number of girls in the armed forces, and there are even helicopter pilots who graduated recently," Dr Al Attiyah said.

مهرجان نجاح قطري يسلط الضوء على أبرز المحطات في مسيرة نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدولة لشؤون الدفاع، ويناقش أهم الإنجازات التي حققتها وزارة الدفاع في الفترة الماضية، وكذلك الخدمة الوطنية وأهميتها الاستراتيجية في خلق جيل قادر على الدفاع عن بلاده ومقدراتها. #قنا pic.twitter.com/mGDlWJeSV8

— وكالة الأنباء القطرية (@QatarNewsAgency) August 28, 2019

He further said it is a top priority for the Qatar Armed Forces to attract Qatari youth to join the highly professional armed forces that can protect the air, land and sea, and the capabilities of the country.

HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani and HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani also attended the session, which shed light on the most important achievements of the Ministry of Defence as well as the National Service.

With regards to women in the armed forces, Dr Al Attiyah said a good number is currently employed in the medical, IT and administrative fields.

"The armed forces are working towards developing the field of military research and industrialization," he said about Qatar's plans to manufacture weapons locally and for self-reliance.

"Qatar is now looking to build new partnerships with new allies, while at the same time focusing on providing stability to citizens and residents," Dr Al Attiyah mentioned. 

Regarding the impact of the blockade on the armed forces' strategy, he said the emphasis is on the security of the state, the GCC and the entire region.

"There was no doubt that the country would face threats at some point, and that is why there is a focus on developing capabilities to face any dangers."

As for the National Service, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs recalled that the idea came from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

"The National Service is like an insurance contract. The initial four-month period that was agreed upon proved to be insufficient, prompting extending the term of the service to one year," he said. 

Dr Al Attiyah encouraged parents to visit the National Service headquarters and experience the program for a day to learn more about its value. 

"The program helps the Qatari citizen gain vital experience in defending the homeland, in addition to providing him with skills that will be essential for his life."

On the military high school, Dr Al Attiyah said it was a result of the directives of the Amir on developing the armed forces.

"It is not just limited to the purchase of arms, but also the development of minds. The state needs youth in land, naval, and air forces, and that requires having a school that provides early preparation for the needs of the armed forces."

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Cover Image Credit and Source: QNA