BAE Systems is set to provide 24 Typhoon aircraft to the Qatar Emiri Air Force.

The company has entered into a £5bn contract with the Government of the State of Qatar, with delivery of the first aircraft expected to start in 2022.

Such a huge contract should be good news for the many suppliers and contractors in Gloucestershire supporting the aerospace industry.

BAE Systems is the prime contractor for both the provision of the aircraft and for in-service support and initial training.

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive said: "We are delighted to begin a new chapter in the development of a long-term relationship with the State of Qatar and the Qatar Armed Forces, and we look forward to working alongside our customer as they continue to develop their military capability."

Eurofighter Typhoon is the most advanced swing-role combat aircraft currently available on the world market and can be deployed in the full spectrum of air operations including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict.

With 623 aircraft ordered, Eurofighter Typhoon is currently the largest military procurement programme in Europe. The State of Qatar is the ninth country in the world to choose the aircraft.

BAE Systems will establish a new Technical Training College in Doha, focused on providing students with the critical skills required to support Qatar Armed Forces air platforms in the future.