RAF jets and counter-drone units intercept Iranian drones over Gulf region

British forces have shot down multiple Iranian drones during overnight defensive operations in the Middle East, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, as the Royal Air Force continues patrols to protect British personnel and allied infrastructure across the region.

The ministry said RAF aircraft conducted air defence patrols covering Qatar, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates et Bahrain, while a British counter-drone unit intercepted several Iranian drones following attacks on coalition facilities.

Officials described the operations as part of the United Kingdom’s defensive posture during the ongoing confrontation with Iran in 2026.

RAF patrols and drone interceptions

The UK said its forces remain focused on protecting allied bases and personnel in the Gulf region as drone threats continue to escalate during the conflict.

John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, confirmed that British forces had been intercepting drones threatening regional partners.

“All our actions are about defending UK interests and defending UK allies,” Healey told Sky News, adding that Britain was not participating in offensive operations.

British forces have deployed additional aircraft, radar systems and other defensive capabilities to reinforce regional bases, particularly in Qatar et Cyprus.

Reports from UK media also indicate that additional Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft have been dispatched to the Gulf while F-35 Lightning II fighters operating in the region have reportedly intercepted Iranian-made drones targeting coalition positions, including incidents near Jordan.

Diplomatic response to escalating tensions

The military operations come as diplomatic efforts intensify between the United Kingdom and Gulf partners.

Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the UK held an emergency meeting to discuss what officials described as escalating attacks by Iran-backed groups across the region.

Participants reaffirmed the strategic partnership established at the 2016 GCC-UK summit held in Bahrain and highlighted cooperation across diplomacy, trade and security.

The ministers also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemns attacks attributed to Iran against the territories of GCC countries and Jordan.

According to the resolution, strikes targeting residential areas, oil facilities and other civilian infrastructure violate international law and pose a threat to regional and global security.

Officials warned that continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure could further destabilize the Middle East and called for coordinated international efforts to prevent a wider conflict.