Locals may be wondering why a Qatar Emiri Air Force jet soared across the county this afternoon.

The aircraft took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and flew across the Wash to north Norfolk before heading south west across the county and past King's Lynn at around 3pm.

A map showing the flight path of the jetA map showing the flight path of the jet (Image: Flight Radar 24) It then travelled north to RAF Leeming in Yorkshire.

The Hawk Mk167, built by BAE Systems, is operated by a joint British-Qatari training squadron located at the Yorkshire base.

A Hawk aircraft at RAF Leeming, September 2021A Hawk aircraft with members of the British-Qatari squadron at RAF Leeming, September 2021 (Image: SAC Gareth McGarvie) Known as ‘11 Squadron (Qatar),’ it was created in September 2021, following years of close partnership between the two air forces. It aims to train eight Qatari pilots a year. 

The Royal Air Force describes Qatar as one of the UK’s closest partners in the Gulf region, with both armed forces working together to improve regional stability.

Members of the RAF await the arrival of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Stansted Airport, December 12Members of the RAF await the arrival of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Stansted Airport, December 12 (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire) It comes as the Emir of Qatar arrived at Stansted Airport on Monday ahead of a state visit. 

READ MORE: Woman believes she saw drone shot down over air base

On Tuesday morning, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will be greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales at their residence, followed by a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greets the Emir of Qatar in May 2023Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greets the Emir of Qatar in May 2023 (Image: Stefan Rousseau/ PA Wire) A majestic carriage procession will take place along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where the King and Queen will host a private lunch.

The Emir, who is joined by his first wife, Sheikha Jawaher, will then be given a tour of the Palace of Westminster, meeting MPs and members of the House of Lords.

The day will conclude with a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.