A senior UAE diplomatic expert, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, has called for a more integrated air and missile defence system across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations to counter rapidly evolving regional threats. Given the short time between the launch of modern drones or ballistic missiles and their potential impact, Dr. Al Dhaheri argues that reactive measures are insufficient. He suggests that the GCC must move beyond existing treaties and transform their current institutional framework into a seamless, real-time intelligence and response network. By linking radar systems across all six nations into a common operating picture, the region could effectively neutralize threats through coordinated, pre-approved rules of engagement rather than relying on delayed consultations.

This push for deeper military integration does not imply a loss of national sovereignty for individual Gulf states; rather, it aims to reinforce their collective security through strategic cooperation. While the GCC already possesses foundations like the Unified Military Command and the Peninsula Shield Force, experts emphasize the need for enhanced technical compatibility between diverse international defense systems. By creating a layered defense structure—combining advanced interceptors with local counter-drone technology—and strengthening shared infrastructure like power grids and supply chains, the Gulf nations can ensure resilience during crises. As regional tensions rise, this transition toward a unified, technologically advanced defence architecture is being viewed as a critical next step in protecting the security of the entire region.