- Enhanced Maintenance and Technical Support for Qatar’s Rafale Fleet
Doha, Qatar — At the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), a significant Services Agreement was inked between Safran Aircraft Engines and the Qatar Armed Forces. The agreement ensures comprehensive support for the M88 engines that power Qatar’s fleet of 36 Rafale fighter jets, according to a press release from Safran on Thursday.
Brig. (Air) KHALID SAED AL HAMAD Commander, Air Support & Logistics Command of the Qatar Armed Forces said:
“Safran Aircraft Engines has been a key partner supporting the Qatar Armed Forces successful operations for more than 4 decades. We are delighted to strengthening our long-term partnership with the company through this agreement and we look forward to seeing the benefits brought by Safran Aircraft Engines for our flight operations support.”
This newly signed Services Agreement extends Safran Aircraft Engines’ relationship with the Qatar Armed Forces, providing an extensive array of services. These services encompass the supply of spare parts, repairs, and overhauls, along with detailed on-site technical support. The arrangement aims to optimize maintenance operations closely aligned with the customer’s needs.
The Qatar Armed Forces have a longstanding relationship with Safran-powered aircraft, having operated the M53-powered Mirage 2000 jet fighter for over two decades. Additionally, their experience extends to the Mirage F1, equipped with the ATAR 9K engine, and the Alphajet trainer/light attack aircraft, which utilizes Larzac engines.
Qatar as a Key Export Customer of Rafale Jets
Significantly, in 2015, the Qatar Armed Forces emerged as the second export customer of the Rafale jets powered by Safran’s M88 engines. This new agreement underscores Qatar’s commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art fleet and Safran Aircraft Engines’ role as a key partner in this endeavor.
This partnership marks a crucial step in strengthening military capabilities and ensuring the operational readiness of Qatar’s air forces. The comprehensive maintenance support provided under the agreement is poised to play a pivotal role in the long-term performance and reliability of Qatar’s Rafale fleet.