Qatar said it shot down two Iranian SU-24 aircraft and intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones in a large-scale defensive operation, according to a statement from the country’s Ministry of Defense. Officials said all incoming projectiles were destroyed before reaching their intended targets, calling the response immediate and coordinated.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said Monday that its forces shot down two Iranian aircraft and intercepted multiple missiles and drones in what it described as a coordinated defensive response. Qatar has entered the war on the side of the US.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly pressing allies behind the scenes to help secure a diplomatic resolution and keep US military operations limited. According to people familiar with the discussions in a report by Bloomberg, both countries are seeking to prevent further regional fallout and prolonged energy market disruption.
Qatar temporarily halted liquefied natural gas production at its largest export facility following a drone strike, contributing to a sharp rise in European gas prices. The UAE has sought additional medium-range air defense support from allies, while Qatar has requested assistance countering drone threats as both nations move to reinforce their defenses.
In a statement dated March 2, 2026, the Ministry announced that the Qatar Emiri Air Force “successfully shot down two (SU24) aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” It also said air defenses “successfully intercepted (7) ballistic missiles” and stopped “(5) drones” that had targeted several areas in the country.
The Ministry said the response was immediate. “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 read.
Officials emphasized that the operation was carried out through “high level of readiness, and joint coordination among the relevant authorities.” The drones were intercepted by the Qatar Emiri Air Force and Qatar Emiri Navy Forces, according to the statement.
The Ministry stressed that Qatar’s Armed Forces “possess full capabilities and resources to safeguard the state's sovereignty and lands, and to respond firmly to any external threat.”
Residents were urged to stay calm and follow official guidance. The Ministry called on “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.”
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said Monday that its forces shot down two Iranian aircraft and intercepted multiple missiles and drones in what it described as a coordinated defensive response. Qatar has entered the war on the side of the US.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly pressing allies behind the scenes to help secure a diplomatic resolution and keep US military operations limited. According to people familiar with the discussions in a report by Bloomberg, both countries are seeking to prevent further regional fallout and prolonged energy market disruption.
Qatar temporarily halted liquefied natural gas production at its largest export facility following a drone strike, contributing to a sharp rise in European gas prices. The UAE has sought additional medium-range air defense support from allies, while Qatar has requested assistance countering drone threats as both nations move to reinforce their defenses.
In a statement dated March 2, 2026, the Ministry announced that the Qatar Emiri Air Force “successfully shot down two (SU24) aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” It also said air defenses “successfully intercepted (7) ballistic missiles” and stopped “(5) drones” that had targeted several areas in the country.
The Ministry said the response was immediate. “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 read.
Officials emphasized that the operation was carried out through “high level of readiness, and joint coordination among the relevant authorities.” The drones were intercepted by the Qatar Emiri Air Force and Qatar Emiri Navy Forces, according to the statement.
The Ministry stressed that Qatar’s Armed Forces “possess full capabilities and resources to safeguard the state's sovereignty and lands, and to respond firmly to any external threat.”
Residents were urged to stay calm and follow official guidance. The Ministry called on “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.”
