The UK is deploying Typhoon fighters equipped with ‘low-cost’ anti-drone missiles [Getty]
The UK announced on Sunday the deployment of a low-cost missile system in the Middle East, allegedly aimed at protecting its citizens and regional partners from drone attacks, as tensions continue to simmer between the US, Israel, and Iran following stalled ceasefire and peace negotiations.
The British government said Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets would be equipped with an advanced precision weapons system enabling them to destroy targets with “extreme accuracy”, with the Ministry of Defence saying the system is significantly cheaper than missiles currently in use.
The ministry said the speed of procurement, working with partners BAE Systems and QinetiQ, and testing procedures helped move the system from the testing phase to operational deployment in less than two months.
It added that the system relies on laser-guidance technology that converts unguided rockets into low-cost precision munitions capable of intercepting drones and other aerial threats.
The ministry said developing low-cost defensive systems represented a “more effective and sustainable” option for confronting the growing threat posed by drones and strengthening protection for British forces and allied partners in operational areas.
The announcement comes as the UK continues to deepen its military role in Gulf security operations while publicly insisting its posture remains defensive and focused on protecting shipping routes and regional partners.
UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Luke Pollard, said the new system would help the Royal Air Force shoot down a far greater number of drones at significantly lower cost.
“Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of British and NATO air defence, with the Royal Air Force protecting Europe’s eastern flank from Russian drone incursions and defending our partners across the Middle East,” Pollard said.
Last Tuesday, Britain said it would contribute autonomous mine-detection systems, Typhoon fighter jets, and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to a multinational defensive mission to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
British Defence Secretary John Healey announced the contribution during an online summit attended by more than 40 defence ministers from countries participating in the mission.
According to Reuters, the British contribution is backed by £115 million ($155.53 million) in new funding allocated toward unmanned mine-detection devices and anti-drone systems.
The package includes autonomous systems for detecting and removing naval mines, high-speed unmanned boats, Typhoon fighter jets tasked with conducting air patrols, and the HMS Dragon warship.
The deployments come amid growing concerns over the fragility of the Iran ceasefire, following repeated reports of stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. It also comes amid renewed military preparations and continued tensions surrounding maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
