The UK is working to speed up financing and licensing for defence exports to Gulf partners as they face indiscriminate Iranian attacks, stepping up efforts to bolster regional security and military readiness.
The British Defence Ministry said it is streamlining export processes through its National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, including the creation of a new task force to co-ordinate support across government and industry. The initiative aims to accelerate the delivery of defensive equipment to Middle Eastern allies while also managing the impact of the crisis on the UK’s defence supply chain.
As part of this push, the UK convened a meeting of defence industry leaders and Gulf ambassadors and defence attaches to explore ways to expand support to countries facing drone and missile threats rapidly. The session, led by Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard, brought together representatives from 13 UK-based defence firms with ambassadors and defence attaches from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Iraq and Jordan.
Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer joined the discussions, underscoring what officials described as the urgency of strengthening regional defences.
The talks focused on identifying new defensive systems and technologies that British companies could supply at pace, particularly to counter Iranian drone and missile attacks. Officials also highlighted plans to procure additional Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), manufactured by Thales UK in Belfast, for use by British forces and partner nations. The UK said it would also provide training support where needed.
Healey said Iran’s actions pose a direct threat to Britain and its allies, adding that the UK’s armed forces and defence industry are working in tandem to respond. Pollard said the initiative reflects a more proactive approach, bringing together government, industry and international partners to accelerate the delivery of critical military capabilities.
The meeting also included briefings from Defence Ministry officials on the evolving strategic situation in the region and the UK government’s response.
Officials described the effort as an initial step in a broader strategy to deepen defence co-operation with Gulf partners.
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