The State of Qatar has received the first batch of Apache-QA, during a ceremony held at the headquarters of Boeing Defense Systems in Arizona, US in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, HE Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Qatar ministry of Defense announced.

This batch comes as part of a deal signed by the Qatar Armed Forces to acquire the latest - sixth generation - of the fighter aircraft. Precise combat characteristics and technological specifications have been added to the Qatari version, giving it the lead in the air.

The Qatari fleet is expected to be completed by this type of aircraft, which will be in active service to enhance the various types and configurations of the Qatari Amiri Air Force.

The agreement for the manufacture and delivery of Apache aircraft includes annexed chapters covering the maintenance and training of the Qatari crew consisting of pilots, technicians and weapons managers. The Qatari Emiri Air Force has completed all the infrastructure, construction, logistics and technical arrangements to receive the fleet, which will enhance the country’s defense capabilities.

The ceremony was attended by Qatar's ambassador to the US Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani, HE the Commander of Qatar Emiri Air Force Major General (Pilot) Mubarak bin Mohamed al-Kumait al-Khayareen, Commander in charge of the project Brigadier (Pilot) Ghanem Abdulhadi al-Shahwani and Colonel Nawaf Mubarak al-Thani, the Qatari Military Attaché to the United States, in addition to a number of ranking Qatari Armed Forces officers and a lineup of US officials.