F15QAs

The F-15QAs, formally designated the F‑15QA, are an upgraded variant of the F‑15 Eagle developed for the Qatari Emiri Air Force. The aircraft was produced by the United States-based Lockheed Martin and entered service in 2017. The F‑15QA incorporates the latest avionics, radar, and weapons systems available to the F‑15 platform, providing Qatar with a modern air superiority fighter capable of performing air defense, interception, and strike missions.

The upgrade package includes a redundant Avionics Gap Management System, which enhances reliability and eases maintenance. Onboard weapons can be carried on four underwing hardpoints, supporting a mix of air-to-air missiles such as the AIM‑120 AMRAAM and AIM‑9 Sidewinder as well as air-to-ground munitions. The aircraft is powered by two General Electric F110 turbofans, each delivering more than 28,000 pounds of thrust. Its maximum range of approximately 1,200 miles without aerial refueling allows for extended missions over the Gulf region.

Qatar ordered 12 F‑15QA aircraft, and the delivery of all units completed in 2019. The fleet entered operational status under Qatar's "air defense modernization" strategy, enhancing the country’s deterrence posture in a region of heightened strategic competition. The F‑15QA shares many components with the F‑15E Strike Eagle, but its avionics suite is specifically tailored to Qatar’s operational requirements and integration with regional air defense networks.

The F‑15QAs remain an active component of Qatar’s air power and are maintained at Sultan bin Abdulaziz Air Base in Al Usail. They serve alongside older F‑15C/D models that occupy a secondary role, providing a layered air defense capability that integrates modern sensor and command systems with proven airframe durability.