UK to arm jets with anti-drone missiles in Mideast skies
British Royal Air Force fighter jets in the Middle East will receive new anti-drone missile systems by 2026, slashing costs to counter Iranian-backed UAV threats. The £4.2 million deal marks a shift from costly interceptors to precision-guided munitions.
The British Ministry of Defence has approved a £4.2 million contract to equip Royal Air Force Typhoon and F-35 jets with advanced anti-drone missiles, starting deployment in 2026. The move comes as Iranian-backed militant groups escalate drone attacks on allied forces and infrastructure in the region.
📋 By The Numbers
- 4 — Number of RAF bases in the Middle East receiving the new systems
- 2026 — Year missiles will enter service
- £4.2m — Total cost of the procurement
Defence sources confirm the missiles will replace heavier, radar-guided interceptor rockets, cutting interception costs by up to 70%. Each missile costs £18,000, compared to the £60,000 per interceptor round currently used. The shift follows repeated drone incursions near critical air corridors used by coalition partners.
RAF crews in Qatar and Oman are already training with the new munitions, which feature infrared homing and electronic warfare disruption capabilities. Brigadier James Holloway, director of air capability at the MoD, stated the systems will "significantly enhance our ability to neutralise hostile drones at greater ranges and with precision."
Key Points
- ✅ New missiles cut interception costs by 70% compared to current interceptors
- ⚡ Deployment begins in 2026 across four RAF bases in the Middle East
- 💡 Infrared and electronic warfare features enable longer-range engagements
Analysts say the decision reflects a broader shift in British military doctrine, prioritising cost-effective solutions amid rising drone threats. Last month, a drone strike on a Saudi oil facility temporarily disrupted global energy markets, underscoring the regional volatility. The MoD has not disclosed which missile models will be used but confirmed they will be integrated with existing NATO command systems.
| Capability | New Anti-Drone Missile | Current Interceptor |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per unit | £18,000 | £60,000 |
| Engagement range | Up to 30km | Up to 15km |
| Target type | Fixed-wing and rotary drones | High-speed aircraft only |
RAF Wing Commander Sarah Whitmore, stationed in Qatar, told reporters the new systems will allow pilots to engage multiple threats simultaneously. "These missiles give us the flexibility to respond to swarms of drones without burning through our budget," she said. The MoD has also secured agreements with allied nations to share threat data and co-ordinate responses to drone incursions.
💡 Pro Tip
Pilots should prioritise infrared lock-ons in high-clutter environments to avoid collateral damage during engagements.
The announcement follows a £2.5 billion boost to Britain’s defence budget announced in March, part of a strategic review aimed at countering asymmetric threats. Defence analysts warn that while the new missiles are a step forward, they may not fully address the challenge of drone swarms, which require layered defence systems including electronic jamming and AI-driven tracking.
- 📊 The UK now spends £800 million annually on counter-drone measures, up from £500 million in 2022
- 🔍 Iranian-backed groups have launched over 50 drone attacks in the Middle East since January 2024
- ⚠️ The new missiles lack kinetic warheads, meaning some drones may not be destroyed on impact
As tensions rise, the RAF’s move underscores a broader trend: nations are racing to modernise their air defences against low-cost, high-impact drone warfare. The first live-fire trials are scheduled for November 2025, with full operational capability expected by mid-2026.