Britain to buy more missiles for its forces in Middle East amid ‘indiscriminate attacks’ from Iran
Britain will buy additional missiles for its forces based in the Middle East, the government has announced, in a move aimed at supporting Gulf states facing attack from Iran.
The Ministry of Defense has confirmed plans to increase its stockpile of laser-guided Martlet weapons.
These missiles were recently deployed to successfully intercept drones from Tehran.
For security reasons, the exact number of weapons to be purchased was not disclosed.
These lightweight multi-role missiles (LMMs), manufactured by Thales UK in Belfast, have already demonstrated their “highly capable” performance in regional air defence.
The decision follows a meeting on Wednesday where ministers and officials met with defense industry leaders including Thales, BAE Systems and Leonardo UK to discuss the strategic situation in the Middle East, the government’s response to the conflict and new support for allied countries under attack.
This comes after US President Donald Trump joined other allies in condemning Britain for its resistance to immediately accept a call for help in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies.
Mr Trump also criticized the UK’s wider involvement in the conflict, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of being slow to lend support.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir defended his approach, insisting he would not allow UK forces to be dragged into a “wider war”.
Announcing plans to purchase additional missiles, Defense Secretary John Healey said: “Iran’s indiscriminate attacks are a threat to the UK, our allies and our partners in the region.
“That is why our armed forces are conducting defensive operations in the Middle East.
“A nation’s armed forces are only as strong as the industry that supports them. I’m proud that our military and industry have stepped up together to offer rapid support to our Gulf partners – just as they did for Ukraine. This is the best of our British industry, innovators and military in action.”
