Ongoing warfare in the Gulf region has triggered a major shift in the long-term defense strategies of its nations. Ahmed Helal, managing director for GCC affairs at Asia Group, described the transformation as a strategic inevitability. He told Al Jazeera that Qatar is no longer acting as a traditional mediator because it has itself come under attack and sought external intervention. The region’s immediate focus is now on reducing hostilities and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

To strengthen defense capabilities, Gulf countries are actively pursuing new security partnerships. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, resulting in several agreements on drone defense technology and combat experience sharing. According to Helal, the Gulf defense market is now open to all—from Washington to Seoul—as these nations seek to diversify their military suppliers.

The United Arab Emirates is already using South Korean interceptor technology, considered more cost-effective and competitive than the U.S. Patriot system. This diversification marks a decisive move away from reliance on any single power for regional security.