UK forces to provide counter terror support at Qatar World Cup

The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will provide counter-terror policing at this year’s Fifa World Cup in Qatar, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced.

This will include maritime security support from the Royal Navy, advanced venue search training, operational planning/command and control support and further specialist advice.

The Joint Typhoon Squadron, also known as 12 Squadron, is the UK’s first joint squadron since World War II and was formed in 2020. Based at RAF Coningsby and operated by RAF and Qatari Emiri Air Force personnel, they will support counter-terrorism efforts through air security operations.

It is the first time Britain has provided this level of security to a World Cup held outside the UK. The tournament runs from November 21 until 18 December.

Qatar remains the only partner with whom the RAF operates joint squadrons. The Joint Hawk Training Squadron at RAF Leeming, announced in November last year, delivers advanced and high-speed jet training to QEAF and RAF pilots in BAE Systems' Hawk training aircraft.

Ben Wallace said: "Making sure citizens from across the world can enjoy attending the World Cup, I am delighted that our joint squadron with the Qatari Emiri Air Force of Typhoons will patrol the airspace during the tournament”