UK-based defence contractor BAE Systems has signed a £5bn ($6.5bn) deal to supply Qatar with 24 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

The deal was finalised on 18 September following an initial payment by Qatar, according to UK-based news agency Reuters.

The contract includes the supply of nine Hawk trainer aircraft, and a provision of in-service support and initial training. The first jets are due to be delivered in 2022.

In June last year, the defence ministries of Qatar and the US signed a deal worth an estimated $12bn for the supply of F-15 fighter jets.

The agreement is understood to cover 36 jets to be manufactured by US-based Boeing.

In 2016, Qatar signed a $7.6bn order for 24 Rafale combat aircraft.