The UK’s Ministry of Defence has announced plans to support “the security and safety” of the Qatar World Cup with military support from the RAF and Royal Navy.
The move follows a visit to the UK and meeting with the UK Prime Minister by the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani.
The Ministry of Defence will support Qatar with military capabilities to help “counter terrorism and other threats to the tournament”, including maritime security support from the Royal Navy, advanced venue search training, operational planning and command and control support.
The UK’s contribution is designed to add “expertise and capability” to the Qatari Emiri Air Force who is overseeing air security for the World Cup.
The RAF’s Joint Typhoon Squadron will support counter terrorism efforts through air security operations – according to the MoD, the squadron regularly exercise in Qatar and the deployment coincides with a pre-planned deployment. Qatar is said to be the only partner with whom the RAF operates joint squadrons, while the partnership with BAE systems includes 24 Typhoons, 9 Hawk jet trainers and a bespoke support and training package – contracts worth in excess of £6 billion according to the MoD.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP, commented: “Making sure citizens from across the world can enjoy attending the World Cup, Britain and Qatar will join forces to provide air policing in the skies above the tournament.
“I am delighted that our joint squadron with the Qatari Emiri Air Force of Typhoons will patrol the airspace during the tournament.”
In related news, Amnesty International recently released a report on the working conditions of security guards in Qatar, said to amount to “forced labour”, which included placements related to the 2022 World Cup.
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