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RAF Typhoons from 12 Squadron have arrived in Qatar for Exercise Fox Defender.  Personnel from the RAF and Qatar Emiri Air Force will work side by side in a joint training exercise, strengthening the close ties between both nations.

In the year that the UK and Qatar celebrate 50 years of official diplomatic relations, more than 120 RAF personnel have deployed to Qatar to work alongside their Qatari counterparts. Pilots and engineers from both nations will fly and maintain the Typhoon throughout the exercise. The pilots will be challenged to a range of air to air and ground to air training serials to further enhance interoperability with the Qatar Emiri Air Force.

12 Squadron is a joint RAF and Qatar Emiri Air Force Typhoon Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby.  Exercise FOX DEFENDER will enable the Qatar Emiri Air Force to train in their home nation alongside the RAF, who have valuable experience of operating the Typhoon aircraft. This exercise will support the Qatar Emiri Air Force operational capability ahead of receiving their Typhoon aircraft in 2022.

"It is fantastic to be back in Qatar once more. Every year we see the cityscape of Doha develop and the Qatar Emiri Air Force continues to grow at an equally impressive pace.  Similarly, the Joint Squadron has grown since we were here last year, with our team of newly qualified Qatar Emiri Air Force technicians working seamlessly and with visible pride alongside their RAF and BAE Systems colleagues. We are looking forward to everything Exercise Fox Defender has to offer over the coming weeks."

Wing Commander Wright
Officer Commanding 12 Squadron

A RAF Voyager deployment will support the exercise later this month as part of Exercise SOARING FALCON.  The Voyager Tanker will conduct air to air refuelling sorties with both 12 Squadron the Qatar Emiri Air Force's fast jet fleet.  The Voyager deployments will provide an important training opportunity for both Air Forces, enhancing their interoperability and joint operational training.

Qatar and the UK share mutual interests in ensuring stability in the Middle East.  Joint operational training on Exercise FOX DEFENDER and Exercise SOARING FALCON will boost Qatar's ability to tackle mutual security challenges which helps protect the prosperity and security of both nations.