The United Kingdom has announced it will send additional troops to the Middle East along with air defense systems to support allied nations in responding to attacks from Iran.
On 31 Mar 2026 GMT+7, John Healey, UK Secretary of State for Defence, said during a visit to the Gulf Arab states that additional teams and air defense systems would be sent to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. At the same time, the deployment period of Typhoon fighter jets in Qatar will be extended.
Healey stated that around 1,000 UK military personnel are currently deployed to protect the Gulf region and Cyprus. “My message to our Gulf allies is that the UK’s finest military will help you protect your airspace,” he said.
The UK’s stance on the Middle East conflict is to participate in "defensive operations". However, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized this position.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said last Monday that the UK “will not be dragged into this war” but will continue to protect the country’s and allies’ interests in the region.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Starmer announced that four additional jets would be sent to Qatar, supplementing the Typhoon fighter squadron already deployed alongside Qatar’s military since January.
On another front, the Defence Secretary informed the Saudi Defence Minister that the UK will deliver the Sky Sabre air defense missile system to Saudi Arabia this week, along with operational personnel for the system.
The Ministry of Defence described this system as comprising radar, control units, and missile launchers capable of intercepting munitions and aircraft, which will be integrated into the wider regional air defense network.
Simultaneously, the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), a UK short-range air defense system, has been deployed in Bahrain, accompanied by UK experts to assist in integrating it with Bahrain’s defense systems.
Additionally, the ground-based Rapid Sentry air defense missile system has also been delivered to Kuwait.
Healey said, “Iran’s aggressive attacks continue to pose a threat to our allies and interests in the Middle East.”
“That is why the UK has conducted defensive missions since the start of this conflict to protect British interests and allies. Today, we are sending additional support by extending the deployment of jets in Qatar and deploying teams and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait,” he added.
He also praised the “brave efforts” of allies across the Gulf and reaffirmed, “We will stand alongside our long-term allies in the Middle East and continue to push for a swift resolution to this conflict.”
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Source:bbc