Turkish-Qatari Joint Squadron established
Qatar's Dassault Rafale's and Turkish Air Force F-16s in the Qatar-Türkiye Joint Squadron. (Photo via Qatar MoD)
The Turkish and Qatari air forces have announced the formation of the Turkish-Qatari Joint Squadron under Qatar’s Combined Joint Forces Command.
The formation of this squadron follows an official visit by General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, commander of the Turkish air forces, to the Dukhan Air Base in Qatar.
Turkish air forces commander visits Qatar-Türkiye joint squadron
During his visit, General Kadioglu met with Maj. Gen. (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Mannai, commander of the Qatar Emiri Air Forces.
General Kadioglu inspected the ongoing work and training progress within the Qatar-Türkiye Joint Squadron. He was also briefed on the latest preparations and facilities available at the base.
The Turkish-Qatari Joint Squadron is to operate the Turkish Air Force Command’s F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, while the Qatar Emiri Air Force is anticipated to deploy Dassault Rafale fighter jets for the joint squadron.
The deployment of the F-16s has significantly increased the Turkish military presence at the Tariq bin Ziyad Barracks, where the Turkish-Qatari Combined Joint Forces Command is based.
In addition to the F-16s, the Turkish Navy also dispatched two Tuzla-class patrol boats to Qatar on July 26, 2024, following a ceremony at the Aksaz Naval Base Command.
