By Noureddine Omar | 2026-08-03

Iran continues to target Gulf states with drones and ballistic missiles, causing civilian casualties and significant material damage.

In response, Gulf air defenses successfully intercepted these attacks; however, potential disruptions drive a strong push toward domestic military production.

On July 17, Qatari air defense forces successfully intercepted a dangerous barrage of Iranian missiles over Doha.

In two identical letters to the United Nations (UN) and the Security Council on July 20, Qatar reported these Iranian attacks against territory.

Qatar stated that these aggressive actions violate its sovereignty and threaten the stability of the entire regional landscape.

It noted that Iran targeted the tanker Al-Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, and launched missile attacks on the country on July 12 and 17

Qatar reiterated its right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter, protecting its sovereignty and citizens.

Defense equipment production

This invocation provides a strong framework for advocating that Gulf states transition from "consumers" to "producers" of military equipment.

This shift entails investing in local capabilities rather than relying entirely on external security guarantees for the long term.

"Continued civilian casualties have prompted the government to emphasize manufacturing, given the potential vulnerability of supply chains," Mahmoud Abdel Moneim, a Qatari researcher, told Al-Fassel.

He noted that "defense integration would secure vital supply lines for food, petroleum and water, currently at serious risk."

GCC collective defense

Persistent Iranian strikes and the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz threaten the stability of all necessary regional shipping.

Data from the defense ministries of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states points to significant success in neutralizing the majority of Iranian aerial attacks since February.

"Gulf states managed to intercept 90 percent of Iranian missiles and drones," military expert and retired Qatari army officer Riyadh al-Ali told Al-Fassel.

"They are working to upgrade defense systems to raise interception rates, thereby minimizing human and material losses for everyone," he added.

While defense systems initially relied on allied forces, particularly the United States, air defense forces across the region have significantly enhanced their capabilities.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have made significant strides in localizing industries, establishing companies and forging partnerships.

"Relying on individual defense systems is strategically unfeasible, given the evolution of modern warfare using drones and ballistic missiles," al-Ali said.

Consequently, a collective defense system offers the most effective approach to securing and defending the region's vast sovereign airspace.

Recent operations demonstrated success through effective communication and coordination, a direct result of prior military exercises and joint operations centers.

Cooperation also extends to air and naval operations aimed at securing territorial waters and maintaining permanent intelligence sharing channels.