The UK has deployed Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar as part of the UK–Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement, reinforcing long-standing military cooperation between the two countries.
The deployment involves 12 Squadron, the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon unit, and is being carried out at the invitation of the Qatari government. The squadron brings together RAF personnel and Qatari aircrew to operate Typhoon aircraft as part of a shared combat air capability.
The Ministry of Defence said the move reflects the “strong and enduring defence relationship” between London and Doha. It said the squadron regularly operates in the Middle East on training, deterrence and assurance missions, with previous deployments including exercises such as EPIC SKIES and SOARING FALCON. These exercises are designed to strengthen interoperability and shared operational experience between the two air forces.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the deployment highlighted the ongoing strategic importance of the Typhoon force, particularly as the UK continues to invest heavily in its future.
“Qatar and the UK are close partners with historic defence ties going back decades. This partnership bolsters the national security of both our nations and supports stability in the Gulf region,” he said. “Today’s deployment builds on those shared aims as Typhoon jets from our joint squadron deploy to support its defence.”
Healey linked the move to recent spending decisions, saying it came “alongside our announcement of half a billion pounds investment to upgrade our Typhoons”. He described the aircraft as central to the UK’s ability to project security overseas while safeguarding national interests at home. The government confirmed the deployment is defensive in nature.
