A Royal Air Force Typhoon jet has shot down an Iranian drone near Qatar, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The incident took place on 1 March 2026 and involved an aircraft from the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron operating from Qatar.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence said: “On 1 March 2026, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory.”
According to the department, the aircraft was conducting a defensive air patrol at the time and engaged the drone using an air-to-air missile.
“The Typhoon jet was conducting a defensive air patrol and used an air-to-air missile to shoot down the drone, ensuring the security of Qatar’s airspace and British interests in the region.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with regional airspace under increased military surveillance.
The MOD added that British forces continue to operate in the area as part of wider defensive measures.
“Our Armed Forces are playing a vital role to protect our people, our interests and our Allies.”
The deployment underscores the UK’s ongoing military presence in the Gulf and its security cooperation with Qatar.
