Qatar signs $12 billion deal to buy US F-15 fighters

Qatar signed a $12 billion deal to buy 36 F-15 fighters from the US.

US F-15 fighter jets operating in the Gulf region. Photo: Reuters.

Qatar's Ministry of Defense signed an agreement on June 14 to buy 36 F-15 fighter jets from the US worth $12 billion, according to Reuters.The deal was signed despite criticism from US President Donald Trump accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism.

The Pentagon said the deal to provide F-15 fighter jets will help strengthen security cooperation and interoperability between the US and Qatari militaries.

According to military sources, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Qatari representatives met on June 14 to discuss and sign the contract.

During the meeting, the two defense ministers also discussed operations against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) and the importance of easing tensions so that all US partners in the Gulf can focus their efforts on common goals.

In November 2016, the US also approved a plan to sell 72 F-15QA aircraft to Qatar for $21.1 billion.

Saudi Arabia on June 5 severed diplomatic relations with Qatar, closing the land border between the two countries, accusing Doha of sponsoring terrorism and having close relations with Iran. A series of Arab countries such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain later made similar moves.

According to VNE