British forces to manage FIFA World Cup security in Qatar

The UK military will be officially supporting the FIFA World Cup 2022, according to the Minister of Defence. The decision seems to have been made after a meeting between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani.

According to an official release, “The Ministry of Defence will support Qatar with military capabilities to counter terrorism and other threats to the tournament. This will include maritime security support from the Royal Navy, advanced venue search training, operational planning and command and control support, and further specialist advice.”

The security activities will be undertaken by 12 Squadron, the Joint Typhoon Squadron that is manned by RAF and QEAF personnel.

“Since their formation as a joint squadron in June 2020, 12 Squadron has exercised regularly in Qatar and the World Cup deployment coincides with a pre-planned deployment,” according to the MoD. In addition to air cover, the Royal Navy is also expected to lend a hand when it comes to security.

Speaking about the decision, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP said, “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.”

He noted that Qatar is the only partner that the UK has any joint RAF squadrons with. This partnership will also help our pilots increase their aircraft flying hours, while allowing Qatar’s pilots to gain experience from top-notch RAF training.

The UK is well placed to help Qatar maintain security given that it has ample experience through its own Olympic endeavours in 2012. Despite this, this collaboration is the first of its kind because our military has never backed such an event outside the UK.

The tournament will kick off on November 21 and is expected to draw crowds from around the world.