London, April 1 (SANA) Britain is reinforcing defense cooperation with Gulf states by deploying additional air defense systems and extending its air force presence, amid ongoing regional escalation and attacks targeting Gulf countries.
A British government spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa said Defense Secretary John Healey discussed regional security developments, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and ways to deepen defense partnerships, during visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.
The UK has extended the deployment of the joint British-Qatari Typhoon squadron at Al-Dukhan Air Base, which conducts defensive air patrols over Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, the spokesperson said.
In Saudi Arabia, Healey informed officials of the arrival of Sky Sabre air defense systems, supported by technical teams, radar units and missile launchers.
Additional measures include the deployment of a short-range air defense system and specialist teams to Bahrain, as well as the delivery of the Rapid Sentry surface-to-air missile system and the Royal Air Force’s Orkus system for drone detection and interception to Kuwait.
The spokesperson condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states, saying more than 3,500 missiles and drones had been launched over the past month, and noted that British forces have been involved in coordinated regional defense efforts since the start of the escalation.
Gulf states and other countries in the region have faced continued drone and missile attacks amid the broader U.S.-Israeli–Iranian conflict that began on February 28.
R.D/ A.B
