The session was led by Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard and National Armaments Director Rupert Pearce, with Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer also in attendance. Discussions focused on identifying defensive equipment and technologies that could be delivered quickly to counter drone and missile threats.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed plans to procure additional Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), manufactured by Thales UK in Belfast, to support British forces and partner nations. These systems have already demonstrated effectiveness in air defence operations in the Middle East.
“Iran’s indiscriminate attacks are a threat to Britain, our allies and our partners in the region. That’s why our dedicated Armed Forces are taking defensive action in the Middle East,” said Defence Secretary John Healey. “A nation’s Armed Forces are only as strong as the industry that supports them. I’m proud of how our military and industry is stepping up together – just as we are for Ukraine – to offer rapid support to our Gulf partners. This is the best of our British industry, innovators and military in action.”
Luke Pollard emphasised the UK’s combined military and industrial response to the evolving threat environment. “As Iranian attacks against our partners in the Gulf continue, the UK is stepping up our support – both military and industrial. We are committed to defending British people, interests, and partners across the region,” he said.
“This event showcases a new approach: actively pulling in allies and industry to drive the pace on the defence kit the Middle East needs. We are bringing in British expertise to help our partners, removing barriers, and championing innovative UK-based industry,” Pollard added.
Participants included both major defence contractors and emerging firms specialising in air defence, counter-drone technologies, and command-and-control systems. Attendees also received briefings from Ministry of Defence officials on the current strategic situation and the UK’s response.
The Ministry of Defence’s National Armaments Director Group is working to accelerate financing and export licensing processes to support Gulf partners. A new task force has been established to coordinate government efforts, manage supply chain impacts, and address replenishment requirements.
The initiative marks the beginning of a broader effort to deepen cooperation between the UK, its defence industry, and Gulf states. Officials indicated that further engagements are expected as the situation evolves and demand for rapid capability support continues.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence.
