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Qatar evaluating the F-16

March 23, 2004 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Qatar has been evaluating a range of Western fighter-jets as part of its air force modernization program. The Qatari Air Force has been proposed the F-16, Rafale, Gripen and Eurofighter by respectively the United States, France, Sweden and Germany.
The next-generation aircraft is meant to replace the 12 Mirage-2000 fighters Qatar currently possesses.

Qatar has agreed to sell those Mirage-2000 to India but the transfer will not take place until the emirate procures a more advanced aircraft.

In December 2003 Lockheed officials already mentioned that Qatar is a "potential client" to buy F-16s, following the example of the other countries in that region: Oman, Bahrain and the UAE.