Britain and Qatar have signed a new defence agreement aimed at strengthening military cooperation and improving interoperability between their armed forces.
The Defence Assurance Arrangement was signed by Defence Secretary John Healey MP during his visit to Doha, where he met the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to the Ministry of Defence. The agreement commits both nations to closer coordination across land, air and maritime domains, including joint planning for future threat scenarios.
The Ministry of Defence said the arrangement “paves the way for enhanced interoperability across land, air and sea” and reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s defence and regional stability. The agreement also strengthens what the department described as a wider strategic partnership between the two countries.
“Qatar and the UK are close partners with historic defence ties going back decades,” Healey said in the press release. “This partnership bolsters the national security of both our nations and supports stability in the Gulf region.”
He added that the new arrangement “builds on that proud legacy by starting a new chapter in our partnership, as we strengthen the bonds between our militaries and defence industries.” Healey said the deal forms part of the government’s wider effort “to strike new defence deals to strengthen our alliances and our UK defence industry.”
During the visit, Healey co-chaired a security discussion with His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Ali Al-Thani, focusing on regional developments. He later visited Al Udeid Air Base, meeting Group Captain Jim Mastin, Deputy Air Component Commander, and personnel from the Royal Air Force’s 83 Expeditionary Air Group. Healey was briefed on operational updates and toured the Combined Air Operations Centre.
The agreement builds on the success of the UK-Qatar Joint Typhoon Squadron, the UK’s first joint fighter jet unit since the Second World War, which the Ministry of Defence said has served as a foundation for expanding cooperation in air defence and joint operations.
Beyond defence, the partnership between the two countries includes extensive trade and investment ties. UK exports to Qatar reached £4.4 billion in 2025, while Qatari investment in Britain stands at more than £40 billion, supporting jobs in sectors such as fintech, renewable energy, life sciences and cyber security.
The Ministry of Defence said the new arrangement aligns with the government’s Plan for Change, demonstrating how “Britain’s global partnerships strengthen national security through modernised armed forces and international cooperation while delivering tangible benefits at home through job creation and economic growth.”
The joint squadron was signed off for another 2 years a couple of months ago.
I suspect there has been discussion around what the 12 typhoons to turkey will look like.. will it be older typhoons or freed up production slots from the new 12 planned and if so when will they be replaced.
I hate the fact we work with these terrorist harbouring scum.
But alas, realpolitik
Agreed but then we fought the Nazis allied to the USSR. The real world is messy.
During that period Stalin took the opportunity to saturate the UK with spies.
It took 30 years to clean up the infiltration.
Qatar is currently funding faith schools, charities, and organisations that promote political Islam in the UK.
And people legit wonder why others vote reform….
Well said. I’d happily live in self-contained democracy only global sphere.
Messy indeed.
Agree
Qatar and Turkey, the two leading Islamic Brotherhood states, both in one week, oh well…
does this mean next time Israel bombs Doha that the UK will help Qatar? 😃
Considering it’s failure and their US imposed humiliating apology and compensation to the family of the dead soldier, I suspect that scenario is unlikely to be repeated any time soon thankfully.
You really need to look into your hatred for Israel and the United States… It’s not a good look.. they deal in the real world you’re dealing in fantasy.