Britain Boosts Gulf Support After Iran’s Drone Strikes

British forces have stepped up their help for Gulf allies facing new threats from Iran. The UK announced it will buy more lightweight missiles to strengthen air defence for both its own troops and regional partners. British fighter jets have already intercepted Iranian drones, but the navy faced criticism after a warship left Cyprus only nine days after an attack on a RAF base. Britain’s military presence in Bahrain, the UAE and other Gulf states has been key to regional security.The government plans to order additional missiles from Thales UK and will also train Gulf crews in Britain. Defense officials, including ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, met with the UK’s readiness minister to coordinate rapid delivery of new equipment. Suppliers such as BAE Systems, MBDA and Leonardo UK will work with the government to match technology upgrades to the evolving threat.