UK, Qatar deepen defence ties with new agreement

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.”