British-Qatari Typhoon Squadron to Extend Partnership

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) have signed an agreement to extend their bilateral Typhoon cooperation for two more years.

The partnership comprises 12 Squadron, a British-Qatari Eurofighter Typhoon unit formed in 2018 to serve as the first joint squadron between the nations since World War II.

The team began operations and training in 2020. The squadron is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

According to the RAF, the latest agreement will build on lessons and activities conducted by 12 Squadron to “further enhance interoperability” between the team’s pilots and aircrew.

“I am delighted this extension agreement has been signed," RAF Deputy Commander Capability Air Marshal Richard Knighton stated.

"Qatar is an important regional partner and we in the Royal Air Force look forward to continuing to develop this close partnership, to the benefit of both Air Forces and nations.”

“This partnership makes an important contribution to promoting peace and stability in the region.”

The announcement follows 12 Squadron’s arrival from Project Thariyat, a six-month deployment to the Middle East that honed QEAF’s operational experience with Typhoon aircraft in preparation for their own fleet.

In 2022, 12 Squadron supported 7 Squadron, QEAF’s first Typhoon air wing, and the integration of its first Typhoon.

The same year, both squadrons flew together to provide air security for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.