UK and Qatar sign up to continue collaboration on joint Typhoon and Hawk aircraft squadrons

The UK and Qatar will deepen their defence cooperation, focusing on joint Typhoon and Hawk aircraft squadrons, after they signed new agreements during a state visit by the Emir of Qatar to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Defence Secretary John Healey hosted the visit, with the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, welcoming him to the academy, from which he graduated in 1998.

The agreements include expanded collaboration within 12 Squadron, the joint UK-Qatar unit based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

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"It was an honour to host the Emir of Qatar at Sandhurst today, to further strengthen our unique partnership and bolster the security of both our nations," Mr Healey said.

"Our joint Typhoon and Hawk squadrons and training Qatari cadets in the UK underlines our shared commitment and cooperation to global security and stability."

The Emir's arrival in UK airspace was marked by two Typhoon jets from 12 Squadron escorting his aircraft.

A Qatari pilot from the squadron welcomed the flight with a radio message in Arabic.

The joint UK-Qatar Typhoon squadron, the first of its kind since the Second World War, continues to operate in both countries, with shared training between pilots and ground crews.

During his visit, the Emir, a Sandhurst alumnus, met fellow graduates and current Qatari cadets before witnessing a flypast by RAF Typhoon and Hawk jets on the academy's parade ground.

Among the agreements signed during the visit was a Memorandum of Understanding that will see UK Royal Military police share their skills and expertise with the Close Protection Unit to the Qatar Emiri Guard.  

Qatar is one of the UK's closest partners in the Gulf region, with their defence partnership further demonstrated during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where UK personnel supported security operations.

British forces collaborated with their Qatari counterparts to ensure the safety of millions of visitors, providing expertise in air defence and counter-terrorism.

While this collaboration showcased the strength of their defence ties, the tournament also faced widespread criticism over Qatar's treatment of migrant workers and its LGBTQ+ rights.