International demand for Qatar’s Air Force’s second-hand fighter jets has suddenly surged. While India has expressed interest in Qatar’s Mirage 2000 jets, Turkey has expressed interest in purchasing its Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Interestingly, despite strained relations between India and Turkey in recent years, both are showing interest in buying used jets from the same country.
According to a report in the EurAsian Times, Middle East Eye claimed on October 7 that Turkey is discussing a deal with Qatar to purchase second-hand Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Negotiations are ongoing, and it is expected that the deal could be finalised soon. However, the governments of both countries have not issued an official statement on this matter.
Turkey Eyes Eurofighter Typhoon
Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu recently visited Doha. The purpose of this visit is believed to be to discuss a deal for 10 to 15 Tranche 3A Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from Qatar. Qatar currently operates 24 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A jets and has also ordered 12 additional Tranche 4 jets. In addition, the Qatari Air Force also operates modern aircraft, including the F-15QA and the French Rafale.
Turkey needs this deal because its fleet of American F-16 fighter jets is now obsolete and has been excluded from the F-35 program. Its own KAAN stealth fighter is still in the early stages of development. Therefore, these jets from Qatar could prove to be a significant relief for the Turkish Air Force.
How are relations between Turkey and Qatar?
Turkey and Qatar have long had strong strategic ties. Military and economic partnerships between the two countries have grown since the early 2010s. Turkey has an army base in the Al Udeid Air Base region of Qatar, where approximately 3,000 troops are stationed. Qatar has also purchased drones and armoured vehicles from Turkey. The two countries are also partners in defence production. This strategic partnership has enabled Qatar to openly negotiate with Turkey for the sale of its old aircraft.
India also wants Qatar’s Mirage 2000 jets.
The Indian Air Force has been negotiating with Qatar since June last year to purchase 12 second-hand Mirage 2000 fighter jets. These aircraft include nine single-seat Mirage 2000-5EDA and three twin-seat Mirage 2000-5DDA. These aircraft were delivered to Qatar in the mid-1990s and have seen limited use, so their airframes are considered to be in good condition. According to an ANI report, Qatar has offered these jets to India at an estimated cost of approximately ₹5,000 crore (roughly $600 million). However, India wants to purchase them at a lower price.
Why are these aircraft important to India?
Mirage-2000 aircraft have long been considered the backbone of the Indian Air Force. They are headquartered at Gwalior Airbase. These French-made aircraft were inducted into the IAF in 1985 and have proven their reliability in numerous missions since then. India currently has approximately 45 to 50 Mirage-2000 aircraft. If the deal with Qatar is finalised, this number will increase to over 60, further strengthening the fleet. Mirage aircraft also played a crucial role in historic operations, such as the Balakot airstrike, further enhancing their utility and importance.
Strategic Competition Between India and Turkey
The efforts of both India and Turkey to purchase jets from the same country are also enjoyable from a geopolitical perspective. While Turkey is known for its military support to Pakistan and anti-India rhetoric, India has strengthened ties with anti-Turkey countries like Greece, Armenia and Cyprus in recent years.
