Great Britain British send more air defense systems to the Middle East
The British government is sending more troops and air defense systems to the Middle East to defend against Iranian attacks on allies. The UK will station the Sky Sabre air defense system in Saudi Arabia and extend the deployment of Eurofighter combat aircraft in Qatar, as announced by Defense Secretary John Healey during a trip to the Gulf states. Additional air defense teams and systems have also arrived in Bahrain and Kuwait.
31.03.2026, 20:30
SDA
"My message to partners in the Gulf region is: the best of the UK will help you defend your airspace," Healey told the PA news agency. The "aggressive attacks" from Tehran would continue to threaten "our allies and interests in the Middle East". "That's why the UK has been flying defensive missions since day one of this conflict," Healey continued.
Great Britain: Defensive deployment of the armed forces
According to the British, the British armed forces are on a defensive mission in the course of the Iran war - including fighter jets intercepting drones and missiles. This stance has repeatedly caused displeasure among US President Donald Trump. According to the BBC, Prime Minister Keir Starmer made it clear again on Monday that the UK would "not be drawn into this war", but would continue to defend its interests and allies in the region.
