Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said on March 2, 2026, that Qatari air defenses shot down two Iranian Su-24 Fencer swing-wing attack jets and intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones targeting the country, according to an official statement released in Doha.
The ministry stated that Qatar Emiri Air Force and naval air defense units successfully neutralized incoming threats before they reached their intended targets, preventing damage inside the country. The incident represents one of the most direct air defense engagements publicly acknowledged by Qatar in recent years.
According to the official statement, “The Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar announces that, thanks to Allah the Almighty first, and to the high level of readiness, and joint coordination among the relevant authorities, Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully shot down two (SU24) aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The Su-24 is a Soviet-designed, twin-engine tactical strike aircraft typically used for low-altitude penetration and precision bombing missions.
The ministry added that air defenses also intercepted missile and drone threats during the same engagement. The statement said forces “successfully intercepted (7) ballistic missiles through air defenses, and intercepted (5) drones by Qatar Emiri Air Force and Qatar Emiri Navy Forces, which targeted several areas in the state today.”
Officials emphasized that the response followed established operational procedures. “The Ministry affirms that the threat was addressed immediately upon detection, in accordance with the operational plan, as all missiles were shot down before reaching their targets,” the statement said.
No casualties or damage were reported in the announcement.
The ministry further underscored the readiness posture of Qatar’s armed forces, stating that they “possess full capabilities and resources to safeguard the state’s sovereignty and lands, and to respond firmly to any external threat.”
Authorities also issued public guidance aimed at maintaining stability during the incident. The statement said the ministry “urges citizens, residents, and visitors to remain calm, adhere to official instructions issued by the security authorities, avoid rumors, and rely solely on information released through official channels.”
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