The United Kingdom is deploying an air defense system to Kuwait following a drone attack on the country's oil refinery last night. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as reckless and discussed the deployment with Kuwait’s Crown Prince during a phone call on Friday morning. A Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Kuwait and Gulf allies.

According to the spokesperson, the deployment aims to protect both Kuwaiti and British personnel as well as regional interests, while avoiding escalation into a wider conflict. The two leaders also agreed on the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, British Defence Secretary John Healey announced that a Rapid Sentry air defense missile system had already arrived in Kuwait to strengthen its defenses.

Downing Street clarified that the move is part of broader efforts to maintain stability in the Gulf region.