Royal Navy to join RAF in defending Qatar World Cup 2022

WARSHIPS from the Royal Navy are being deployed to provide a maritime wall of steel around Qatar to protect this year’s FIFA World Cup.

By Tom Cotterill

Published 30th May 2022, 12:07 BST

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Vessels from the Senior Service are to be deployed on maritime security missions around the Gulf to defend the global sporting spectacle, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The warships – which are expected to be made up of vessels already deployed in the Gulf, including frigate HMS Montrose and Portsmouth-based minehunter HMS Chiddingfold – will be joined on the mission by RAF fighter jets from 12 Squadron RAF.

As well as defending from the World Cup from threat in the air and at sea, military personnel will also join security operations on land.

Pictured: HMS MONTROSE carrying out duties, protecting British shipping in the Gulf.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘Making sure citizens from across the world can enjoy attending the World Cup, Britain and Qatar will join forces to provide air policing in the skies above the tournament.’

Royal Navy Qatar RAF Ben Wallace

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