More UK troops to be sent to Middle East, defence secretary announces
UK Expands Military Presence in Middle East with Additional Troops and Defenses
Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed the deployment of extra British forces and air defense systems to the Middle East, aimed at countering potential Iranian strikes. This brings the total UK personnel stationed in the Gulf and Cyprus to approximately 1,000. During his recent visit to Gulf nations, Healey announced that air defense teams and equipment will be stationed in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, while the use of Typhoon jets in Qatar will be prolonged.
Healey emphasized the UK’s commitment to regional security, stating,
“My message to Gulf partners is: Britain’s best will help you defend your skies.”
The UK’s strategy focuses on “defensive action,” though US President Donald Trump has consistently criticized this approach. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated on Monday that the UK would not be drawn into the broader conflict but would safeguard its interests and allies.
Qatar issued a warning on Tuesday about the threat of attacks on civilian infrastructure, highlighting the potential regional impact. This follows a recent incident where a power and desalination plant in Kuwait was damaged. At Dukhan air base, Healey noted the extension of Typhoon jet operations to Qatar, aligning with earlier plans to send four additional jets there after the Royal Air Force’s joint squadron was established in January.
Separately, Healey informed Saudi Arabia’s defence minister that the Sky Sabre missile system will be deployed to the country this week. The system, featuring radars, control nodes, and launchers, is designed to intercept aircraft and munitions, integrating with existing defenses. In Bahrain, UK experts are already working to incorporate the Lightweight Multirole Missile launcher into local security measures, while the Rapid Sentry ground-based system has arrived in Kuwait.
Trump’s criticism of the UK’s involvement has intensified, as he targeted the country for not participating in the initial strikes against Iran. On Truth Social, he remarked,
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.”
Healey countered by stressing the need for an international effort to protect the critical shipping lane, including US military collaboration and the use of a British Navy vessel to assist autonomous drones in clearing mines if necessary.
