Just a few days after finalising a mammoth defence deal with France, Qatar continued stockpiling high-tech weaponry by signing a deal with the UK to buy 24 Typhoon fighter jets.

The deal, which is worth $8bn, was signed in Doha by Qatar’s Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah and his British counterpart Gavin Williamson, reported Al Jazeera.

It is understood to be the biggest order for Typhoon fighters in more than a decade.

“These formidable jets will boost the Qatari military’s mission to tackle the challenges we both share in the Middle East, supporting stability in the region and delivering security at home,” Williamson said.

The defence deal with Qatar is expected to help safeguard thousands of UK jobs, reported BBC.

BAE Systems employs about 5,000 people in the UK to build the fighter jets, mainly at Warton in Lancashire. Qatar’s purchase includes a support and training package from BAE, with deliveries due to start in 2022.

BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn said the contract, worth £5bn to the company, was the start of a long-term relationship with Qatar and its armed forces.

“This agreement is a strong endorsement of Typhoon’s leading capabilities and underlines BAE Systems’ long track record of working in successful partnership with our customers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Qatar and the UK have decided to build a Joint Operational Squadron (JOS), which includes joint operations and training squadrons and an electronic warfare system, reported Gulf Times.

JOS is a unique squadron in the region and is considered the nucleus of future joint operations between Qatar Emiri Air Force and Royal Air Force. 
The squadron will tackle all air combat operations, ensuring combat readiness for all Qatari and British pilots and technicians. It will have a notable role in operational coverage and aerial security during the FIFA 2022 World Cup.