UK Steps Up Engagement with Kuwait with Second Ministerial Visit Since Crisis

KUWAIT CITY, Apr 29: The British Embassy in Kuwait has welcomed UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, on an official visit to the State of Kuwait, reaffirming the strength of the longstanding UK-Kuwait defence partnership and the United Kingdom’s commitment to regional security. This is the second ministerial visit since the start of the crisis.

The Minister’s visit comes at an important moment for Kuwait and the wider Gulf region. He welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement, noting that it brings a moment of relief to both the region and the international community, while underlining the continued importance of vigilance and preparedness.

During his visit, Minister Pollard expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s leadership and the professionalism of its Armed Forces in safeguarding the country and the region. He also thanked Gulf partners for their role in protecting civilians, including British nationals residing in or transiting through the region.

The Minister emphasised that the United Kingdom continues to work closely with Kuwaiti partners daily- sharing expertise, delivering training, and supporting efforts to strengthen Kuwait’s defence capabilities.

This cooperation includes the deployment of advanced systems such as Rapid Sentry and ORCUS, which enhance Kuwait’s ability to detect and respond to drone and missile threats, helping to protect its airspace and critical national infrastructure. In addition, UK Air Battlespace Managers have been deployed to support airspace deconfliction during periods of heightened activity, while UK counter-drone specialists continue to provide training across the Kuwaiti Armed Forces.

These efforts build on a deep-rooted defence relationship. The British Military Mission has been present in Kuwait since 1992, working side by side with the Kuwaiti Armed Forces in advisory and training roles that continue to strengthen operational capability and interoperability.

During his visit, Minister Pollard held a series of high-level engagements with senior Kuwaiti officials. At Bayan Palace, he met with Kuwait’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, alongside the Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces, H.E. Lieutenant General Khaled Saad Al-Shuriaan, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshal Mubarak Al-Sabah. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and addressing shared security challenges.

The Minister also met with senior defence and security officials, the Commander of the Air Force, Brigadier General Nasser Abdullah Al-Sharidah, and the Chief of Armament and Procurement Authority, Brigadier General Sheikh Khalifah Al-Sabah, as well as the Director of Foreign Procurement, Colonel Sheikh Faisal Al-Sabah.

As part of his visit, Minister Pollard visited the Kuwait National Guard, where he met the Undersecretary, H.E. Lieutenant General Hamad Salem Al-Barjas, and the Kuwait Coast Guard, where he met the Director General, H.E. Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, highlighting the breadth of UK–Kuwait cooperation across defence and security institutions.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

"Kuwait is a valued partner and this visit has reaffirmed the strength of our defence cooperation.

“From Rapid Sentry and ORCUS protecting Kuwait's skies, to our Air Battlespace Managers and counter-drone specialists working side by side with Kuwaiti forces, this is a partnership that delivers every day.”

“I am proud of the role UK personnel have played alongside our Kuwaiti partners in protecting civilians and supporting Kuwait’s security during a period of real threat to the region. The ceasefire brings relief, but our commitment to Kuwait’s security endures.”

British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, H.E. Mr Qudsi Rasheed OBE said:

“This visit builds on a series of recent UK defence engagements in Kuwait and reflects a partnership that has spanned decades. We are grateful to our Kuwaiti partners for their professionalism and close cooperation – from training to providing systems like the Rapid Sentry- as we work side by side to support Kuwait’s security and stability. The UK stands firmly alongside Kuwait.”

UK Defence Attache, Captain Neil Marriott (Royal Navy) stated:

“This visit reflects the importance of continued cooperation on defence readiness and defence industry partnership between the UK and Kuwait.”

The visit also included engagements with UK personnel deployed in Kuwait, where the Minister paid tribute to their contribution alongside Kuwaiti forces in protecting civilians and critical infrastructure during recent missile and drone threats before the ceasefire.

The United Kingdom and Kuwait continue to share a strong and enduring partnership, rooted in decades of cooperation and a shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability.