Qatar targets multibillion-dollar fighter jet deal

Qatar is preparing for a major purchase of fighter jets, with the contract likely to be won by US or French firms, say analysts.

The expected deal would follow announcements in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on significant planned fighter jet acquisitions as Gulf nations continue to build up their homeland defences.

Late last year, Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) officials told a conference in London that a formal evaluation of fighter jet capabilities was under way, and that a winner was expected to be announced before the end of 2012.

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