Britain and Qatar have signed a brand new defence settlement aimed toward strengthening army cooperation and enhancing interoperability between their armed forces.
The Defence Assurance Association was signed by Defence Secretary John Healey MP throughout his go to to Doha, the place he met the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in keeping with the Ministry of Defence. The settlement commits each nations to nearer coordination throughout land, air and maritime domains, together with joint planning for future menace situations.
The Ministry of Defence mentioned the association “paves the way in which for enhanced interoperability throughout land, air and sea” and displays the UK’s dedication to supporting Qatar’s defence and regional stability. The settlement additionally strengthens what the division described as a wider strategic partnership between the 2 nations.
“Qatar and the UK are shut companions with historic defence ties going again many years,” Healey mentioned within the press launch. “This partnership bolsters the nationwide safety of each our nations and helps stability within the Gulf area.”
He added that the brand new association “builds on that proud legacy by beginning a brand new chapter in our partnership, as we strengthen the bonds between our militaries and defence industries.” Healey mentioned the deal types a part of the federal government’s wider effort “to strike new defence offers to strengthen our alliances and our UK defence business.”
Through the go to, Healey co-chaired a safety dialogue with His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Ali Al-Thani, specializing in regional developments. He later visited Al Udeid Air Base, assembly Group Captain Jim Mastin, Deputy Air Element Commander, and personnel from the Royal Air Power’s 83 Expeditionary Air Group. Healey was briefed on operational updates and toured the Mixed Air Operations Centre.
The settlement builds on the success of the UK-Qatar Joint Storm Squadron, the UK’s first joint fighter jet unit for the reason that Second World Struggle, which the Ministry of Defence mentioned has served as a basis for increasing cooperation in air defence and joint operations.
Past defence, the partnership between the 2 nations consists of intensive commerce and funding ties. UK exports to Qatar reached £4.4 billion in 2025, whereas Qatari funding in Britain stands at greater than £40 billion, supporting jobs in sectors similar to fintech, renewable vitality, life sciences and cyber safety.
The Ministry of Defence mentioned the brand new association aligns with the federal government’s Plan for Change, demonstrating how “Britain’s international partnerships strengthen nationwide safety by modernised armed forces and worldwide cooperation whereas delivering tangible advantages at house by job creation and financial development.”