11 Squadron (Qatar) Explained

Unit Name:11 Squadron QEAF
Dates:2021 – Present
Country: Qatar
United Kingdom
Branch: Qatar Emiri Air Force
Royal Air Force
Type:Joint Qatari/British training squadron
Role:Advanced fast jet flying training
Equipment:BAE Systems Hawk Mk.167
Equipment Label:Aircraft
Garrison:RAF Leeming
Garrison Label:Home station

11 Squadron is a flying squadron of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF). The squadron most recently reformed in November 2021 as a joint QEAF/Royal Air Force squadron. It is currently based at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom and operates nine BAE Systems Hawk Mk.167s. The unit provides advanced and high-speed jet training for both QEAF and RAF pilots.

History

Close Air Support

11 Squadron was originally formed in 1984 as 11 (Close Air Support) Squadron at Doha International Air Base, Doha, operating six Dassault Alpha Jet Es.[1] In 2017, the Qatar Emiri Air Force placed an order for six BAE Systems Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, followed by an extra three in 2018, as a replacement for the Alpha Jet.[2] [3]

Training

In October 2020, British Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace and Qatari Minister for Defence Affairs Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah agreed to establish Qatar's new Hawk squadron at an RAF station as a joint Qatari-British unit.[4] This Joint Hawk Squadron was to be based upon similar lines as No. 12 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, which reformed as a joint RAF-QEAF squadron to train Qatari pilots on the Eurofighter Typhoon in 2018.[5] On 1 April 2021, it was announced the Joint Hawk Squadron would be based at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom.[6] On 1 September 2021, the first two Hawk Mk.167s (ZB131 and ZB133) for the Joint Hawk Squadron were delivered to RAF Leeming.[7] The first four QEAF pilots began training in October 2021, with RAF student pilots planned to start their training with the unit in 2022.[8] On 24 November 2021, the Joint Hawk Squadron was formally given the numberplate of 11 Squadron (Qatar) when it reformed at RAF Leeming.[9]

11 Squadron received its full complement of nine Hawk Mk.167s when the last two (ZB138 and ZB139) were delivered to Leeming on 29 September 2022.[10] The first batch of Qatari students graduated in November 2022.[11]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: #1641 11 Sqn, Hawk Mk167 Squadron Print . Squadron Prints . 9 May 2023.
  2. Web site: Dominic . Perry . BAE Systems reveals Qatar Hawk order amid cutbacks . Flight Global . 10 October 2017 . 9 May 2023.
  3. Web site: Qatar increases Hawk order to nine . Key Military . 16 August 2018 . 9 May 2023.
  4. Web site: Second joint RAF & Qatari air force squadron intended for UK . Royal Air Force . 15 October 2020. 9 May 2023.
  5. Web site: Joint UK-Qatari Typhoon squadron stands up as defence relationship deepens . Ministry of Defence . 24 July 2018 . 9 May 2023.
  6. Web site: Gareth . Jennings . UK confirms joint Hawk unit with Qatar . janes.com . 6 April 2021 . 9 May 2023.
  7. Web site: David . Cenciotti . First Two Hawk Mk167 Jets For the Qatar Emiri Air Force Delivered To RAF Leeming . theaviationist.com . 2 September 2021 . 9 May 2023.
  8. Web site: Qatar stands up Hawk Squadron in North Yorkshire . Times Aerospace . 29 November 2021 . 9 May 2023.
  9. Web site: New Joint Hawk Squadron unveiled during Reformation Event at RAF Leeming . Royal Air Force . 24 November 2021 . 9 May 2023.
  10. Web site: Displaying Serials in range ZB . ukserials.com . 9 May 2023.
  11. Web site: First batch of Joint Hawks Squadron 11 pilots graduates . Qatar Tribune . 13 November 2022 . 9 May 2023.

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