In a surprise move, Qatar has signed a deal to purchase 24 fighter jets from Britain.
The deal to purchase the Eurofighter Typhoons from manufacturer BAE Systems Plc is Doha's first major defense contract with the United Kingdom, British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said in a statement.
Qatar's deal with the British manufacturer also comes as the emirate has already shelled out billions to build up its military capabilities over the summer.
Qatar already signed billions in military deals
In August, the Qatari foreign minister announced that a $5.9 billion dollar deal to purchase Italian warships had been finalized. Earlier in June, Doha inked a deal with the United States to purchase F-15 fighter planes for $12 billion.
Last year in March, Qatar also signed a memorandum of understanding with France to purchase 24 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation SA, according to Bloomberg.
Doha's efforts to build its military capabilities come at a time of raised tensions with regional neighbors.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt have all been boycotting Qatar economically and diplomatically since early June. The Saudi-led block accused Qatar of supporting and funding terrorism.
Saudi Arabia says war is not an option
Although Saudi Arabia insists that a military intervention is not on the table, Qatar has moved forward with building up its defenses and allowing the Turkish military to station troops within its territory.
Signing major contracts with Western nations, such as the U.S., the UK, and France, also helps Qatar shore up sympathy with powerful allies.
"After a number of years of negotiations between our two countries, I am delighted to have been able to sign today with Qatar’s Defense Minister," British Defense Minister Fallon said.
"This is an important moment in our defense relationship and the basis for even closer defense co-operation between our two countries," Fallon added.
"The security of the GCC, of all Gulf countries, is critical to the UK’s own security," he said.