Qatar: Rafale jets escort Emmanuel Macron on arrival in Doha

Author: Charly HessounPublished on: October 22, 2026Country: Qatar

World / International

Qatar: Rafale jets escort Emmanuel Macron on arrival in Doha

Qatari Air Force Rafale jets escorted Emmanuel Macron’s plane on its arrival in Doha on October 20, 2026, as part of the state honors for his two-day visit. The French president was welcomed by Defense Minister Saoud ben Abdulrahman Al Thani and then received by Emir Tamim ben Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace. The following day, Macron urged “extreme caution” over Gulf security tensions, while the emir described their talks as “fruitful.” Qatar bought 24 Rafale jets in 2015 for €6.3 billion and ordered 12 more in 2017 for €1.1 billion, with an option for 36 additional aircraft.

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