More of 'Britain's best' personnel and air defence systems sent to Middle East, Healey announces
More personnel and air defence systems are being deployed to the Middle East to help the UK's Gulf allies defend against Iran's missile and drone attacks, the Defence Secretary has announced during a visit to the Middle East.
John Healey said that the UK will send Sky Sabre to Saudi Arabia, extend the UK Typhoons deployment in Qatar and that air defence teams and systems have now been sent to Bahrain and Kuwait.
He is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain as he seeks to recognise the UK's allies' professionalism and resolve in light of the continued attacks from Tehran.
"Iran's aggressive attacks continue to threaten our allies and interests in the Middle East," Mr Healey said.
"That's why the UK has been flying defensive missions since day one of this conflict to protect British interests and allies."
He held detailed discussions on the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz and further UK-Gulf cooperation as the war entered its second month.
The Defence Secretary said that the UK must be prepared for the conflict to last for several weeks as he spoke from his convoy in Qatar en route to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Defence Secretary meets pilots in Qatar
The Defence Secretary met UK Armed Forces personnel at Dukhan air base in Qatar, including pilots who have been part of the flying missions day and night over Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and the UAE, to support regional security.
The joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron has been flying joint defensive operations against Iranian attacks since the start of the conflict.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, Mr Healey met the country's defence minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, to confirm the deployment of Sky Sabre there.
It follows a recce by a UK team, and the equipment and teams will deploy this week, including radars, control node and missile launchers and a Royal Artillery battery and battle space managers to operate the system.
The system will be integrated into the wider Saudi and regional air defences.
"I am proud of the courage and professionalism our Armed Forces have shown since the start of the war, and my message to Gulf partners is: 'Britain's best will help you defend our skies'," Mr Healey added.
"I pay tribute to the heroic efforts of our partners across the Gulf in protecting their nations.
"We will stand by our long-term partners in the Middle East and continue to push for a swift resolution to this conflict."
LMMs and Rapid Sentry
In Bahrain, the UK's Lightweight Multirole Launcher is now in the country, supported by a team of UK experts who will help integrate the short-range air defence system into Bahraini defences.
Rapid Sentry – a ground-based air defence missile system – has arrived in Kuwait and the RAF's Orcus system is now operating in the country, allowing personnel to detect drones early and take action.
The Defence Secretary said that UK pilots flying Typhoons, F-35s, Wildcats and Merlin helicopters have now logged more than 1,280 hours protecting British national, bases and countries in the Middle East.
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