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Qatar Emiri Air Force

The Qatar Emiri Air Force entered global headlines following the reported shootdown of two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24M bombers during the opening phase of this year’s conflict with Iran. The aircraft were reportedly intercepted over the waters of the Persian Gulf while approaching targets in Qatar and were engaged near the country in international airspace. Leaving aside subsequent disputes regarding the incident itself, this article focuses instead on the air arm behind the action.

Qatar Emiri Air Force Qatar Emiri Air Force
Petr Uzsák
The Qatar Emiri Air Force entered global
headlines following the reported shootdown
of two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24M bombers during
the opening phase of this year’s conflict with
Iran. The aircraft were reportedly intercepted
over the waters of the Persian Gulf while
approaching targets in Qatar and were engaged
near the country in international airspace.
Leaving aside subsequent disputes regarding
the incident itself, this article focuses instead
on the air arm behind the action.
The aerial component of Qatar’s armed
forces has a history spanning nearly six
decades. Its origins date back to 1967, when
the British government announced the
withdrawal of its forces from the Persian Gulf
region. Initially established as the Qatar Public
Security Forces Air Wing, the service operated
only Westland Whirlwind helicopters. In 1974,
it was reorganized into a fully fledged air force.
A major expansion followed in 1979, bringing
rapid growth in both personnel and equipment.
Jet combat aircraft, helicopters, transport
aircraft and training platforms were acquired,
while unmanned systems joined the inventory
during the last decade. The buildup was clearly
influenced by rising tensions between Iraq and
Iran, which escalated into the Iran-Iraq War
a year later. Over time, the Qatar Air Force also
absorbed the country’s police aviation branch.
Overall, Qatar’s military aviation has advanced
significantly since its creation, establishing
the country as a major regional air power.
Air Force headquarters is located at
Al-Udeid Air Base near the capital Doha.
Additional units are stationed at Dukhan/
Tamim Air Base and the military section of
Doha International Airport. Current personnel
strength is estimated at around 2,100, although
reserve personnel may recently have been
mobilized due to the ongoing regional conflict.
Organizationally, the service is structured
around air bases, each controlling several
air wings that in turn oversee individual
squadrons. Another key component is the
Al-Zaeem Air College, responsible for pilot and
specialist training.
The primary missions of the air force
include protection of Qatar’s airspace and
maritime borders, urban centers, industrial
A Qatar Emiri Air Force Dassault Rafale ready to receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force
KC-135 Stratotanker over Qatar on Dec. 31, 2020, during a bilateral air-to-air refueling
training mission designed to enhance interoperability between the two air forces.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Sean Carnes, U.S. Air Force
A pilot of the Qatar Emiri Air Force conducts the preflight inspection of a Dassault Mirage F1EDA prior to a combat
mission during Operation Desert Storm. Photo: Staff Sgt. Lee F. Corkran, U.S. Air Force
QATAR EMIRI AIR FORCE
INFO Eduard8
June 2026
Info EDUARD