Turkey, Qatar sign defense deal as Ankara eyes Doha’s Eurofighters
The Turkish president’s visit to Qatar during his Gulf tour largely centered on defense ties and Qatar’s little-used Eurofighters, as Ankara moves to quickly rebuild its air power.
ANKARA — Turkey and Qatar inked a defense cooperation deal in Doha on Wednesday, as Ankara simultaneously seeks to purchase used Eurofighter jets from its Gulf ally to urgently strengthen and rebuild its air force.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Turkish Defense Industries President Haluk Gorgun and Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to state-run Anadolu Agency.
Defense talks have been a key focus during the Qatar leg of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s three-day Gulf tour. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin are also accompanying the Turkish president.
The defense industry cooperation deal comes as the two countries further boost their already strong defense ties. Qatar is Turkey’s closest ally in the Gulf. The country is also home to one of Turkey’s largest overseas military bases, hosting roughly 3,000 troops for joint training, advisory roles and broader defense cooperation.
