Qatar's close defense partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom have proven critical to maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf region.

The United States and Qatar have a partnership that is rooted in decades of US military aid and training, with diplomatic relations beginning in 1972, a year after Qatar's independence from the United Kingdom.

During the Gulf War, Qatar hosted coalition forces, including US military personnel and aircraft involved in the liberation of Kuwait.

Qatar is a critical strategic defense partner for the United States, according to the US State Department.

A cornerstone of the US-Qatar defense relationship is al-Udeid air base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East.

The base serves as a key operational hub for US Central Command (CENTCOM) and supports global counterterrorism efforts.

In recent years, the number of US military personnel stationed at the various facilities in Qatar has ranged from about 8,000 to more than 10,000.

Qatar also ranks as the third-largest customer of US defense systems worldwide, reflecting the depth of the countries' ties.

In January 2022, President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally, qualifying it to purchase certain US arms, receive excess defense articles and cooperate on defense research with the United States.

UK-Qatar collaboration

For over a decade, the United Kingdom and Qatar have cultivated their own strong defense partnership rooted in shared goals and mutual respect.

Qatar is one of the United Kingdom's closest partners in the Gulf region. This was demonstrated when King Charles III invited Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on a state visit to the UK to discuss regional stability of the Gulf, trade and investment, and enhancing cultural ties between the two countries.

It was also one of the first places that UK Defense Secretary John Healey visited after his appointment in July, and he conferred on security with the emir of Qatar in December at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as part of Al Thani's state visit.

The two discussed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation in support of regional security and inked several agreements, including extending and expanding collaboration and knowledge sharing across the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon and Hawk aircraft squadrons.

The Joint Typhoon Squadron is a unique operational unit co-manned by UK and Qatari forces. No. 12 Squadron underscores the United Kingdom's commitment to enhancing Qatar's air defense capabilities while fostering deeper military integration.

London's commitment to Qatar's defense readiness is also evident in the training of Qatari military personnel. Qatari cadets attend Sandhurst each year, and Al Thani himself is a graduate.