The Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force conducted a flypast over Doha today to celebrate the air defence partnership between both nations.
The RAF Red Arrows joined Qatar Emiri Air Force and RAF Typhoon jets for an exciting flypast for spectators and senior representatives from both air forces gathered along Doha’s harbour. The Red Arrows and Qatar’s aerobatic display team then performed thrilling displays over the seafront.
The RAF Typhoons were from 12 Squadron, the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon squadron, which is currently deployed to Qatar to support the formation of the QEAF's first Typhoon squadron. Whilst in Qatar the squadron will also be assisting QEAF in air security operations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The skill and professionalism of the Qatar Emiri Air Force pilots and engineers at Dukhan Airbase is testament to their commitment, and to the remarkable partnership with the RAF to develop the Qatar Emiri Air Force's new Typhoon Wing. The obvious bond and camaraderie between the RAF and Qatar Emiri Air Force pilots and engineers on 12 Squadron reflects the close relationship between our air forces. I look forward to continuing to work with the Qatar Emiri Air Force in tackling our shared security challenges.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston
Chief of the Air Staff
Typhoons from 7 Squadron, the Qatar Emiri Air Force's first Typhoon squadron, flew alongside the RAF in the flypast. To successfully form 7 Squadron, the two air forces are collaborating in Qatar to apply the knowledge gained while working together on the joint Typhoon squadron at RAF Coningsby.
It was an honour to execute a joint air show within the celebration of defence cooperation between the State of Qatar and United Kingdom, with participation of Qatar Emiri Air Forces and British Royal Air Force represented by the Red Arrows and the Joint 12 Squadron, which takes part in securing the air space during the World Cup FIFA Qatar 2022 along with the rest of squadrons of our air forces. The participation of the Saudi Falcons team reflects the depth of relationship and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
Major General (Pilot) Jassim Mohammad Ahmed Al-Mannai
Commander of the Qatar Emiri Air Force
