Sixth batch of QEAF Rafales delivered
The sixth batch of Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) Rafales left Bordeaux/Mérignac (France) on delivery to Qatar on 27 July 2021.
The four aircraft involved are a single Rafale DQ and three Rafale EQs. The dual seat fighter (Rafale DQ) stayed behind after the previous delivery on 25 February 2021.
The Rafales were accompanied by QEAF C-17A Globemaster III (A7-)MAA (as LHOB242) that arrived a few days before.
As with the previous deliveries in June, July, September and December 2020, Scramble Magazine assumes that the aircraft must have been accompanied by tanker aircraft for refuelling support. However, it is unknown if this support was, again, provided by Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (AAE, French Air and Space Force) tanker aircraft.
The following Rafales were delivered:
Nine Rafales are still to be delivered: six Rafale EQ (QA231/QA236) and three Rafale DQ (QA201, which is at Istres for testing and QA208/QA209). The QEAF operates the Rafales at Tamim air base with the Al Adiyat Squadron/1st Fighter Wing.
Photos by Maciej Świderski