The F-15QA “Ababil” aircraft, recently delivered to the Qatari Air Force, is a milestone in military technology. This advanced fighter jet embodies exceptional capabilities that enhance Qatar’s air defense capabilities.
In an exclusive interview with “Defense Arabia” during the “DIMDEX 2024”, Mr. Vincent Logsdon, Vice President Global Business Development and Strategic Marketing for Boeing Defense Space & Security and Global Services, highlighted the advantages of this aircraft and explains its role in strengthening the strategic relationship between Boeing and Qatar.
Mr. Logsdon emphasized Boeing’s keenness to strengthen its relations with the Qatari Armed Forces, pointing out that the course of these relations represents a model to be emulated in the field of fruitful cooperation and continuous progress.
Boeing actively participates in the Qatari community by cooperating with universities in engineering and scientific research programs, and supporting university students in their academic careers. It also participates in programs with Qatari non-profit organizations such as “INJAZ” to support Qatari youth in the field of business management and private projects, and other programs to support children. Mr. Logsdon stressed that the relationship with Qatar represents a strategic partnership that enhances cooperation and friendship in the region, and is not limited to the material aspect only.
When asked about future development programs for this fighter, Mr. Logsdon confirmed that there are currently no specific plans, but the company is keeping the door open for any future developments. He also denied the existence of any project to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities into the aircraft’s systems at the present time.
Finally, he stressed that the F-15QA aircraft, which impressed attendees at the Dubai Airshow, will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Qatari Armed Forces.
The “Ababil-F-15QA” represents the Qatari version of the American F-15 multi-role fighter, which is a twin-engine, dual-seat fighter. Qatar contracted to purchase F-15 fighters in 2017.
This new version features tremendous upgrades, including an advanced cockpit that is the first of its kind in the region. This version features a cockpit upgrade to become a large, touch-screen, all-glass display, and an advanced digital vision system. These upgrades allow the pilot to have a clear view of the battlefield, improve his ability to understand and assess the situation, and thus choose the appropriate maneuvers and deal with the most dangerous or priority targets. Information and data is transferred to the cockpit via modern and advanced monitoring and sensing devices in an innovative way.
“Ababil” will have the ability to carry AMRAAMs missiles dedicated to air interception, or an integrated set of missiles of multiple types and missions, which will greatly increase its combat capability, especially after being equipped with a modern AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar with a range of over 400 kilometers, and an AN/AVS-9 night vision system with a range of 27 kilometers, in addition to the AN/ALR-56C radar warning and electronic warfare system.
The F-15 multi-role aircraft are used in many countries allied or friendly to the United States. Israel was the first country to receive these fighters outside the US military in 1977, followed by Japan, which was granted the right to manufacture them after being granted their technology from the United States in 1981. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also acquired these aircraft in 2022, and it has 211 aircraft of the (C/D/SA) models.
The question remains, which Middle Eastern countries will adopt these aircraft after Saudi Arabia and Qatar?
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