The United Kingdom is deploying its Rapid Sentry air defence system to Kuwait to safeguard British and Kuwaiti interests in the Gulf region. This move follows an overnight drone attack by Iran targeting a Kuwaiti oil facility. Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the deployment during a phone conversation with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah on Friday morning.
A spokesperson from Downing Street stated that Starmer condemned the reckless drone strike on the Kuwaiti refinery and reaffirmed the UK’s solidarity with Kuwait and its Gulf allies. The discussion focused on the deployment of the UK’s air defence system, which is specifically designed to intercept drones and other low-altitude aerial threats.
Notably, the deployment aims to protect both Kuwaiti and British personnel and assets in the region while carefully avoiding escalation into a broader conflict. In addition to security measures, Starmer and the Crown Prince addressed disruptions to global maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a significant development, they welcomed a recent meeting led by UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, held on Thursday, which aimed to formulate a strategy for reopening this critical shipping route. This coordinated effort underscores the UK’s commitment to regional stability and the protection of vital international trade corridors.
