May 30, 2022
2 mins read

UK announces RAF and Royal Navy support to Qatar World

The Qatari Emiri Air Force is overseeing air security for the World Cup, delivering the majority of operations…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Defence will support Qatar with military capabilities to counter terrorism and other threats to the tournament. This will include maritime security support from the Royal Navy, advanced venue search training, operational planning and command and control support, and further specialist advice.

The Joint Typhoon Squadron, also known as 12 Squadron, is based at RAF Coningsby and is operated by RAF and QEAF personnel. During the deployment they will support counter-terrorism efforts through air security operations.

Since their formation as a joint squadron in June 2020, 12 Squadron have exercised regularly in Qatar and the World Cup deployment co-insides with a pre-planned deployment.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP said, “Making sure citizens from across the world can enjoy attending the World Cup, Britain and Qatar will join forces to provide air policing in the skies above the tournament. I am delighted that our joint squadron with the Qatari Emiri Air Force of Typhoons will patrol the airspace during the tournament.”

Defence cooperation with Qatar has been long-standing. Qatar remains the only partner with whom the RAF operates joint squadrons – 11 Squadron Qatari Emiri Air Force, the Joint Hawk Training Squadron at RAF Leeming, and 12 Squadron, the Joint Typhoon Squadron at RAF Coningsby.

The partnerships aim to provide RAF personnel with access to increased aircraft flying hours, give the Qatari Emiri Air Force access to world-class RAF accredited training, and see long-term investment in RAF infrastructure and training facilities.

The Qatar Air Programme comprises of a series of contracts between the Qatar Armed Forces (QAF). Qatar’s contract with BAE Systems is for 24 Typhoons, 9 Hawk jet trainers and a bespoke support and training package, alongside a contract with MBDA for an associated weapons package. These contracts are collectively worth in excess of £6bn and are supporting and sustaining thousands of jobs in the UK.

The Qatari Emiri Air Force is overseeing air security for the World Cup, delivering the majority of operations. The UK’s contribution will add expertise and capability, in part gained through the UK’s Olympic experience in 2012. It is a demonstration of our strong defence relationship, and further enhances the UK and Qatar’s ability to tackle our shared security challenges –contributing to regional stability and protecting mutual prosperity and security.

ALSO READ-UK accuses Russia of threatening global food security  

Previous Story

‘No interim deal, but full-fledged FTA with UK by Diwali’

Next Story

Art in the digital era

Latest from -Top News

BRICS must break the digital chains

BRICS nations need to build consensus, balance innovation and social justice by reinforcing the digital sovereignty of Global South, including evenly distribution of benefits through AI, writes Baidya Bikash Basu BRICS, the

Modi begins landmark Argentina visit

First Indian PM to visit in 57 years; economic ties, lithium and trade top agenda Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a historic visit to Argentina on Saturday by paying homage to

Texas flash floods kill at least 24; Trump vows help

President calls tragedy ‘shocking’ as search for missing continues overnight At least 24 people have died in Kerr County, Texas, after catastrophic flooding swept through the region, prompting a large-scale rescue and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Bank of England Keeps Interest Rates on Hold Amidst Economic Pressure

Official figures on Wednesday showed a surprise fall in inflation

UAE, Iraq, Türkiye, Qatar ink deal on ‘Development Road Project’

The MoU focuses on collaboration for the strategic ‘Development Road’