UK Defense Minister reaffirms strong security ties with Kuwait
Britain and Kuwait strengthen strategic defense partnership through high-level talks and defense partnership
The British Embassy in Kuwait received UK Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP during an official visit, the second ministerial visit from the United Kingdom to Kuwait since the onset of the regional crisis, underscoring the enduring strength of the longstanding defense partnership between the two countries.
The visit comes at a critical time for Kuwait and the wider Gulf region. Minister Pollard welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement, describing it as a moment of relief for the region and the international community, while stressing that continued vigilance and preparedness remain essential.
During his engagements, the minister expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s leadership and the professionalism of its Armed Forces in maintaining national and regional security. He also thanked Gulf partners for their role in protecting civilians, including British nationals in the region.
He underlined that the United Kingdom continues to work in close coordination with Kuwaiti counterparts on a daily basis, sharing expertise, providing training, and supporting efforts to enhance Kuwait’s defense capabilities.
This cooperation includes the deployment of advanced systems such as Rapid Sentry and ORCUS, designed to strengthen Kuwait’s ability to detect and respond to drone and missile threats and protect critical infrastructure and airspace. UK Air Battlespace Managers have also been deployed to assist with airspace coordination during periods of heightened tension, alongside counter-drone specialists providing training to Kuwaiti forces.
The UK–Kuwait defense relationship is further reinforced by the long-standing presence of the British Military Mission in Kuwait since 1992, which continues to support training, advisory work, and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations.
At Bayan Palace, Minister Pollard held high-level talks with Kuwait’s Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Khaled Saad Al-Shuraian, and senior defense officials, focusing on strengthening cooperation and addressing shared security challenges.
He also met senior military leadership across the Air Force, procurement authorities, the National Guard, and the Coast Guard, highlighting the breadth of cooperation between both countries’ defense and security institutions.
Minister Pollard said the visit reaffirmed a partnership that delivers “every day,” noting the operational impact of joint work on systems, training, and counter-drone capabilities. He added that while the ceasefire brings relief, the UK’s commitment to Kuwait’s security remains firm and enduring.
British Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Qudsi Rasheed OBE described the visit as part of a series of ongoing defense engagements, stressing that the UK and Kuwait continue to work side by side to support regional stability and security.
UK Defense Attaché Captain Neil Marriott said the visit reflects the importance of continued cooperation in defense readiness and industrial partnership between the two countries.
The visit also included meetings with UK personnel deployed in Kuwait, where the minister praised their role alongside Kuwaiti forces in protecting civilians and critical infrastructure during recent missile and drone threats prior to the ceasefire.
The UK and Kuwait continue to maintain a deep and enduring defense partnership built on decades of cooperation and a shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability.
