Gulf countries are increasingly turning to alternative global defense suppliers as concerns grow over the strain on their air defense systems amid prolonged regional tensions and rising drone and missile threats.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are now seeking to diversify their military procurement beyond the United States, exploring options in South Korea, Ukraine, and other emerging defense markets.
The report says the shift comes after six weeks of intensified aerial attacks and escalating instability in the Middle East, which have significantly depleted air defense stockpiles across the region.
Officials in the Gulf are particularly concerned about the effectiveness of existing systems against low-cost, mass-produced drones, prompting a reassessment of defense strategies and urgent efforts to secure faster replenishment options.
The countries have reportedly engaged South Korean manufacturers for missile defense systems, including the M-SAM platform, while also showing interest in Ukrainian drone and electronic warfare technologies. British defense startups developing cost-effective anti-drone solutions have also entered discussions with Gulf partners.
Despite these moves, officials stressed that defense cooperation with the United States remains intact, even as procurement is being broadened to ensure faster delivery and greater strategic flexibility.
