History
Narrative Summary
Prior to independence from Britain, Qatar had established an Air Wing of the Public Security Forces to fly Westland Whirlwind helicopters. In late 1971 these helicopters were supplemented by a small number of Hawker Hunters. In 1974 the Air Wing was formally upgraded to air force status, and renamed the Qatar Emiri Air Force. The Hunters were later replaced by Mirage F.1s and then Mirage 2000s. At the same time, more helicopters were acquired to replace the ageing Whirlwinds. In 2008 orders were placed for C-130J and C-17 transports, to allow Qatar to provide humanitarian aid around the world and raise its public profile on the international stage.
Key Dates
1968 |
|
Air Wing of the Public Security Forces first established |
1968 |
|
First helicopters received – Westland Whirlwind |
1971 |
|
First jet aircraft delivered – Hawker Hunter |
1974 |
|
Qatar Emiri Air Force created from the Air Wing of the Public Security Forces |
Current Status
Since the Air Defence of Qatar is principally undertaken by USAF fighters based at Al Udeid, the QEAF concentrates on providing direct support for army and navy surface units with helicopters and light attack aircraft. The recent procurement of a relatively large transport fleet is intended to provide humanitarian aid rather than facilitate expeditionary warfare operations.
Future Plans
Take delivery of 18 AW139 helicopters to replace the Westland Commando
Take delivery of four C-130J-30 transports.
Qatar has an option for two more C-17s.
Markings
National Insignia
Current — Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The Qatar military serial numbering system consists of the two-letter prefix ‘QA’ (Qatar Air Force) and a two digit mumber, e.g. QA11 for Hunter FGA.78 and QA91 for Mirage 2000-5EDA.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Doha.
Organisational Structure
The QEAF is organised into two wings, No.1 Fighter Wing and No.2 Rotary Wing. The five operational squadrons are subordinate to these two wings.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
To be added.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The main air base is officially Al Udeid, but most flying operations actually take place from Dhoha International Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The main bases used are Al Udeid and Doha International Airport. A number of outlying desert strips are also available for helicopter operations.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.
More Information
Books
Qatar Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.
Magazines
To be added.
Websites
wikipedia: Qatar Air Force
Scramble: Qatar Emiri Air Force
PlanePictures.net
Airliners.net
World Air Forces: Qatar Aircraft
Qatar Emiri Air Force
Hawker Hunter QA12