Wing Commander Mark Baker, Officer Commanding Number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, led his team on the first sortie of the joint UK/Qatari exercise EPIC SKIES II today.
Launching alongside two of the Qatari Emiri Air Force (QEAF) Dassault Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, the UK Typhoons took part in counter air training and capability demonstrations, ahead of the QEAF’s procurement of 24 Typhoon aircraft from the UK and the formation of the joint RAF/QEAF Number 12 Squadron.
“The QEAF pilots are extremely professional and it’s a real pleasure to train with them here in Qatar; the Typhoon will provide the QEAF with a reliable, world-class platform that will allow us and them to provide security and safety throughout the region for years to come.”
Wing Commander Mark Baker
Officer Commanding Number 1 (Fighter) Squadron