UK Armed Forces complete security contributions to Qatar World Cup
The UK's support of Qatar's security for the 2022 FIFA World Cup has officially been completed at the final whistle.
Personnel and representatives from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were deployed to Qatar to support the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) counter-terrorism efforts during the World Cup.
Following Sunday's thrilling final between France and Argentina, the MOD has concluded its support of the country's security operations and helped ensure the safety of all those attending, known as Operation World Cup Shield.
The RAF supported air security operations with 12 Squadron, the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron from RAF Coningsby, and a RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton.
12 Squadron operated eight Typhoon aircraft from Dukhan Air Base alongside Qatar Emiri Air Force fast jet squadrons, flying a total of 114 operational hours during the tournament.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "UK Armed Forces have worked side by side with our Qatari partners and other nations in the last few weeks to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and secure World Cup.
"Our relationship with Qatar has been strengthened further through this deployment, during which aircraft from our joint UK-Qatar Typhoon squadron demonstrated the true benefits of our partnership."
Flying from Al-Udeid Air Base, the RAF Voyager provided air-to-air refuelling capability to both RAF and QEAF fast jets during their security missions.
The Royal Navy supported maritime security by deploying their expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Force to the shores of Qatar.
His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, the deputy prime minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs in Qatar, said: "The World Cup hosted by the State of Qatar was a great success in bringing people from all around the world to enjoy the beautiful game of football.
"To assure the safety and security of the state and the spectators of the game, Qatar relied on its network of allies and friends to come together in concert to provide the highest form of security and shield through its defence co-operation.
"The strong and long-standing Qatari-UK defence partnership, which includes the joint Typhoon squadron, has played an essential role in safeguarding the state and the people during the events of the World Cup 2022."
Air Commodore Mark Biggadike, UK Forces Commander in Qatar for the World Cup, said: "Over two years of planning and engagement with the Qatari Ministry of Defence and six other partner nations has led to a very successful operation, of note, the first joint operation that Qatar has conducted.
"The UK is a leading nation in the provision of counter-terrorism military security, and it has been my privilege to witness a team of over 500 UK service personnel providing specialist support from the land, sea and air during this event."
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