Qatar receives first UK Eurofighter Typhoon jet ahead of 2022 World Cup

Qatar received its first Eurofighter Typhoon jet from the UK on Monday at a ceremony held at a BAE Systems facility in Warton, Lancashire.

The fighter jet is one of 24 UK-manufactured Typhoons ordered by Qatar in 2017, ahead of the 2022 World Cup, the first in the Middle East.

Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs  Khalid bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah and the commander of the Qatar Air Force, Major General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mannai, attended the handover ceremony at the BAE Systems factory, the makers said.

"[The] Typhoon will provide critical support for the FIFA World Cup which will be held in the State from 20 November," BAE Systems added, saying the aircraft will be delivered "on schedule" to Qatar later this month.

Qatar purchased BAE-made Eurofighter Typhoons and Hawk training aircraft in 2017, following a major setback for the arms maker after a follow-on order by Saudi Arabia failed to materialise.

The UK will support Qatar's security operations for the upcoming World Cup, with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy aiding in counter-terrorism operations.

The UK Ministry of Defence said it would offer "advance venue search training, operational planning and specialist advice" to Qatar, ahead of the much-anticipated sporting event.

"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," said UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.  

The Joint Typhoon Squadron, known as 12 Squadron and made up of RAF forces and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) personnel, is set to be deployed in Doha in November as part of "pre-planned" operations.