Reuters. Britain plans to send additional air defence equipment to help its allies in the Middle East as Iranian attacks continue, defence minister John Healey said on Tuesday (March 31) as he visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.
Healey held talks with allies where they discussed the Strait of Hormuz and further UK-Gulf co-operation on regional security, Britain's Ministry of Defence said.
The UK will deploy Sky Sabre, a ground-based air defence system used by the British Army, in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Defence said in a written statement.
Healey also announced that the deployment of British Typhoon fighter jets in Qatar, where the UK operates a joint squadron, will be extended.
Healey told reporters that British troops will help install, train, and operate the new air defence systems, with nearly 1,000 soldiers expected to be deployed across the Middle East to help "defend the skies and reinforce air defences."
During his visit to the Gulf, the defence secretary met the Emir of Qatar, the King of Bahrain and defence leaders from all three nations.
