Qatari Hawks temporarily move to Leuchars

Qatar Emiri Air Force Hawk Mk 167s of 11 Squadron are currently operating from Leuchars Station in Fife having relocated from the unit’s home base of RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire.

A spokesperson at RAF Leeming said the reason for 11 Squadron flying from the Scottish base was because “runway and lighting systems are being refurbished.” Seven of the unit’s nine Hawk Mk.167s (ZB131, ZB132, ZB133, ZB134, ZB135, ZB136 and ZB139) arrived at Leuchars on March 7. A NOTAM for RAF Leeming states that the aerodrome is due to re-open on April 8.

No.11 Squadron’s first Hawk was delivered to Leeming on November 24, 2021, and the unit now also trains UK fast-jet pilots as well as Qatari students.