UK forces have increased counter-drone activity in the Middle East, with a ground-based unit downing Iranian drones and air defence systems reinforced across the region, according to Ministry of Defence update.
A UK counter-drone unit operating in a high-threat environment shot down multiple Iranian drones over successive nights, including one engagement confirmed on 25 March. The previous day, British troops intercepted 14 “kamikaze” drones in a single night, described as the highest number downed in one engagement.
The activity comes alongside continued RAF operations, with Typhoon and F-35 aircraft flying defensive missions over Cyprus, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. UK pilots have now logged more than 850 flying hours in the region since the start of the current conflict, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Additional air defence assets have also been deployed, including British Army Sky Sabre systems arriving in Cyprus, while Rapid Sentry systems have been sent to Kuwait and Lightweight Multiple Launchers are due to be deployed to Bahrain. HMS Dragon has also arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean to integrate with allied air and missile defence efforts.
The UK also says that it will be working with partners to safeguard international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with senior military officials engaging the merchant shipping industry as part of efforts to manage risks to maritime traffic in the region.
So….Sky Sabre confirmed.
We protect mainly these very rich countries at our expense, i get the politics of it and protecting our few bases but who foots the bill, as there is open reports of the cost eating in the DIP, most likely thats just spin to cover how weak the DIP might be. Why can’t this rich nations defend them selves and the water way, why do we have do it for them?.