British Jets Sent to Qatar Due to Fear Over Iran Conflict

  • Publish date: since 6 hours Reading time: 1 min read

UK deploys fighter jets to Qatar under defence partnership amid fears of wider instability linked to rising Iran conflict concerns.

The United Kingdom has deployed Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar, officials confirmed, as fears of escalating regional tensions tied to the conflict with Iran persist.

Read More: The Chainsmokers to Open Match for Hope 2026 With Live Stadium Show

On 22 January 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that the RAF’s 12 Squadron, a joint UK-Qatar Typhoon unit, has been sent to the Gulf in a defensive capacity at the invitation of the Qatari government. The deployment is part of the UK-Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement and reflects longstanding military cooperation between the two nations.

Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised that the move strengthens the “strong and enduring defence relationship” between London and Doha while supporting regional security and stability amid uncertainty around the conflict involving Iran and its broader geopolitical reverberations.

Read More: Gaza Film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" Gets Oscar Nomination

The Typhoon deployment, accompanied by regular joint training activities such as exercises EPIC SKIES and SOARING FALCON, underscores the UK’s commitment to collaborative defence efforts and deterrence. It arrives as global powers, including the United States, have also reinforced military assets in the Middle East in response to rising tensions with Tehran.

The move comes amid concerns over potential escalation linked to the conflict between Iran and U.S. allies in the region, with authorities recalibrating defence postures and reinforcing strategic partnerships to mitigate risks of wider confrontation.