Qatar has been making great strides in the field of defense to bolster its security and safety.

Under this focus, the country has inked defense deals with several nations including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, to boost its defense capabilities.

In September 2017, Qatar locked a £5.1 billion deal to buy 24 Typhoon fighter jets from the UK, marking a significant moment in the two nations' defense ties.

Later in July 2018, the Qatari Amiri Air Force and the British Royal Air Force agreed upon a partnership to establish the Joint Squadron.

Yesterday, another milestone was achieved in this UK-Qatari defense cooperation.

The UK Royal Air Force and Qatar Amiri Air Force Typhoon Squadron, known as No.12 Squadron, began flying as a Joint Squadron, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Based at RAF Coningsby, No.12 Squadron is a unique initiative between the two countries that seeks to provide the Qatar Amiri Air Force with valuable experience operating the Typhoon as they prepare to receive their first aircraft.

The deliveries of the Typhoon aircraft are said to begin in 2022.

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— وزارة الدفاع - دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) June 19, 2020

The flags of both countries were raised at RAF Coningsby this week as Typhoons with new Squadron markings flew for the first time, signaling the Squadrons readiness to train pilots and ground crew from both air forces, according to QNA.

UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said, "No.12 Squadron is a testament to our enduring friendship and commitment to Qatar, the only nation with which the UK has a Joint Squadron. Together we are protecting populations and securing our mutual interests across the Middle East."

His Excellency Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah said, "The first flight of No. 12 Squadron marks an important milestone in the commitment of the Qatari Amiri Air Force and the Royal Air Force to deliver on excellence.

"The raising of the flags of The State of Qatar and the United Kingdom side by side in commemoration of the first joint flight represents the alignment of vision and strategy in building for a stable and prosperous future for both nations and the world."

The No. 12 Squadron is the first Joint Squadron in the RAF since the Second World War and the Battle of Britain.

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Cover Image Credit and Source: QNA