Gulf States Seek Alternatives to U.S. Weapons Solutions

Reference News Network reported on April 16 According to a report on the website of the Wall Street Journal on April 12, the intense airstrikes lasting six weeks have depleted the air defense weapon reserves in the Middle East. Now, countries are scrambling to replenish their arsenals.

The report states that as the United States and Iran reach a fragile ceasefire agreement, America's closest allies in the Middle East, who are also some of the largest buyers of U.S. weapon systems, are seeking alternative missile defense systems globally and are looking for ways to rapidly enhance their defenses.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are turning to procure South Korean missile defense systems, Ukrainian drones capable of striking targets in the air, and traditional American Gatling guns. They are also seeking new equipment developed by startups, such as the UK’s Cambridge Aerospace.

This rush to procure indicates that the U.S. and Gulf countries are caught off guard by the scale of Iran's retaliatory attacks, which also exposes issues with their military industrial capacity. In particular, the U.S. military industry may miss out on potential orders.

According to informed sources, Saudi Arabia has approached Japan to produce "Patriot" interceptors and has inquired whether South Korea's Hanwha and the leading innovation group Nex1 can expedite the delivery of "Tian Gong" missile orders.

A South Korean lawmaker stated that the UAE had used "Tian Gong" missiles to shoot down Iranian weapons. This is a medium-range surface-to-air missile capable of intercepting drones, missiles, and aircraft.

Saudi Arabia has also signed a defense cooperation agreement with Ukraine, focusing on weapon production and sharing experiences. A Saudi official said, "Our cooperation with U.S. suppliers is seamless, but we also maintain excellent relationships with others."

Qatar has signed a cooperation agreement with Ukraine. Qatari officials recently visited a drone interception training ground in Ukraine and met with representatives from a large Ukrainian defense company.

Ukrainian companies and military units have stated that Gulf country officials have expressed a demand for intercepting drones and electronic warfare equipment, but Ukrainian arms manufacturers may not have the capacity to supply or the ability to export. A supplier named "Wild Hornet" produces over 10,000 intercepting drones per month but stated that these drones must first meet the enormous domestic demand in Ukraine. Additionally, exports require government approval.

The crux of the issue is that U.S. arms production has not kept pace with a world rife with conflict.

The Trump administration advanced a plan to sell $23 billion worth of weapons to the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan. The related arms sale agreements include air defense systems, radar, and "Patriot" PAC-3 missiles, aimed at helping these allies defend against Iranian attacks. However, some of this military equipment will take years to deliver.

Nearly 20 countries use the "Patriot" system, but its supply has been depleted by the war in Ukraine. Switzerland stated last week that, given the ongoing delivery delays, it is considering canceling its order for the "Patriot" system. Switzerland ordered five sets of the "Patriot" system in 2022, but the U.S. informed the country last year that it would adjust the delivery order of the "Patriot" system to prioritize support for Ukraine.

There are also some lower-tech, faster-delivery options available. According to an executive from Raytheon Technologies, the company has received inquiries about supplying Gatling guns for the "Phalanx" close-in weapon system. Other bullet-type weapons that can be mounted on trucks have proven to be a cheap and effective way to intercept drones in Ukraine.

For Gulf countries, the solution is to seek alternatives.

Last month, several officials from Gulf countries met with multiple defense companies at a British military camp near Buckingham Palace. Luke Pollard, the UK Ministry of Defence's Under-Secretary of State for Armed Forces, posed a question to the executives present. According to attendees, he asked, "What can you deliver in 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days?"

These attendees said that the British officials who convened the meeting urged the participating companies to increase production. (Translation/ Xu Yanhong)