The United Kingdom has decided to deploy air defence systems to Gulf countries as fears rise over possible missile and drone attacks linked to Iran.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK is quickly sending short-range air defence systems to protect key partners in the region. He confirmed that systems are being deployed to Bahrain, while similar support is planned for Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The move comes as Gulf countries face repeated drone and missile threats during the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Officials said the UK is also working with defence companies to supply more air defence missiles to its allies.
At the same time, British experts have been sent to assist with airspace monitoring and defence planning. Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK will also deploy its Rapid Sentry anti-drone system to Kuwait.
He described it as a powerful and tested system that has already proven effective in combat. In another step, a British warship, HMS Dragon, has been sent to the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen regional security.
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The UK has also increased its military presence, with more jets now stationed in the region than at any time in the past 15 years.
Hundreds of additional air defence personnel have been deployed to Cyprus, while UK pilots have flown nearly 900 hours in recent missions. Officials said these operations aim to protect countries such as Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from aerial threats.
The UK has also allowed the United States to use its military bases for operations targeting Iranian missile sites, especially those linked to attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite rising tensions, UK officials said there is no direct threat to the country itself.
However, they stressed that these steps are important to maintain regional stability and ensure the safe movement of ships through key oil routes. The situation remains tense as Iran continues to launch drone and missile attacks across the region.
