The Qatar Amiri Air Force shot down two Iranian Su-24 tactical bombers and neutralised a barrage of missiles and drones on Monday.
The Qatar Ministry of Defence confirmed that its integrated air defence systems detected and engaged the two Soviet-era "Fencer" aircraft as they approached Qatari airspace from the east. In a coordinated response involving both naval and air units, the military also intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones targeting multiple locations across the country.
"The threat was addressed immediately upon detection, in accordance with the operational plan, as all projectiles were neutralised before reaching their targets," the Ministry of Defence stated via the Qatar News Agency. Officials emphasised that the armed forces possess the "full capabilities and resources to safeguard the state's sovereignty and respond firmly to any external threat".
The engagement occurred as Iran widened its retaliatory campaign following massive US and Israeli strikes against Iranian leadership. While Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base—the largest US military installation in the Middle East—the downing of manned fighter jets represents a rare and high-stakes shift from passive interception to direct combat.
The strikes have already rattled global markets. QatarEnergy, a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas, briefly suspended production at two sites following earlier drone activity.
Despite the intensity of the morning's engagement, Qatari authorities reported no civilian casualties. The government has urged residents to remain calm and rely solely on official channels for updates. Meanwhile, neighbouring states, including Bahrain and Kuwait, remain on high alert as they continue to intercept hundreds of projectiles launched from Iranian territory.
