A RAF Voyager has been supporting air security operations at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar over the past few weeks.
The latest iteration of Exercise Soaring Falcon has seen a RAF Voyager deploy from RAF Brize Norton to conduct air-to-air refuelling training with RAF & Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) fast jets in preparation for the World Cup.
The Voyager has also provided refuelling capability for both air forces’ fast jets during tournament air security patrols to ensure a safe and successful FIFA World Cup for football fans.
The latest Exercise Soaring Falcon enabled pilots from both nations to train in a varied range of environments, including Qatari pilots’ first experience of refuelling during a night sortie.
The exercise takes place every few months with a Voyager deploying to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for two weeks at a time. Sorties expose Qatar Emiri Air Force fast jet pilots to a range of refuelling conditions, ensuring their capability in a multitude of scenarios. Additionally, the sorties build upon the RAF Voyager crews’ interoperability with international personnel and equipment.
Qatar and the UK share mutual interests in ensuring stability in the Middle East. Joint operational training boosts Qatar's ability to tackle our shared security challenges which helps protect the prosperity and security of the UK at home and abroad.
The RAF’s contribution to Qatar’s World Cup air security operations is part of a wider UK Ministry of Defence support to the tournament. Additional maritime security capabilities, advanced venue search training, operational planning support, command and control support, and further specialist advice are also provided.
