The UK is working to speed up financing and licensing for defense exports to Gulf partners as they face indiscriminate Iranian attacks, stepping up efforts to bolster regional security and military readiness.
The British Ministry of Defense said it is streamlining export processes through its National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, including the creation of a new task force to coordinate 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 defense supply chain.
As part of this push, the UK convened a meeting of defense industry leaders and Gulf ambassadors and defense attaches to explore ways to expand support to countries facing drone and missile threats rapidly. The session, led by Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard, brought together representatives from 13 UK-based defense firms with ambassadors and defense attaches from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Iraq and Jordan.
Defense Secretary John Healey and Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer joined the discussions, underscoring what officials described as the urgency of strengthening regional defenses.
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 defense 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 Ministry of Defense 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 defense cooperation with Gulf partners. The NAD Group is expected to continue working closely with industry and regional allies to identify further opportunities to expand support as the security situation develops.
