GCC approves advanced defence command centre in Kuwait

The decision was announced by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi following the 23rd session of the GCC Joint Defence Council, held in Manama on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Bahrain's Minister of Defence Affairs, Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi.

Al Budaiwi described the initiative as a significant step towards advancing joint Gulf military cooperation, improving operational coordination and reinforcing collective security amid evolving regional challenges. He said joint military action continued to receive the full support and attention of GCC leaders, reflecting their commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all member states.

The Secretary-General stressed that the armed forces of the six GCC countries shared a collective responsibility to maintain regional stability, protect national independence and strengthen their readiness to respond to current and emerging threats.

He also recalled directives issued by GCC leaders during an extraordinary meeting in Jeddah last April, which called for deeper military cooperation and enhanced capabilities to address common security challenges.

Addressing the regional security situation, Al Budaiwi condemned what he described as Iranian attacks against GCC countries, praising the military cooperation and coordination demonstrated by member states in responding to the incidents and their consequences.

He said the response reflected the unity and solidarity of Gulf nations, reaffirming the principle that the security of one member state was closely linked to that of the entire bloc.

Al Budaiwi emphasised that closer integration of military capabilities, intelligence-sharing and operational coordination would improve the GCC's ability to defend its territories, protect vital resources and safeguard the security of citizens and residents. He also commended the professionalism, courage and operational capabilities demonstrated by GCC armed forces in confronting what he described as Iranian aggression.

The Secretary-General paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their duties, extending condolences to their families and wishing those injured a speedy recovery. He also strongly condemned attacks targeting GCC countries, particularly those affecting civilian areas and critical infrastructure.

In addition, Al Budaiwi denounced attacks attributed to the Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, including incidents involving sites regarded as sacred by Muslims. The newly approved command centre in Kuwait is expected to form part of wider efforts to strengthen the GCC's integrated military framework, improve joint operational readiness and enhance coordination among the armed forces of member states.

The six-member bloc, comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, has been pursuing greater defence integration through joint military structures, coordinated exercises and closer cooperation between its armed forces. The GCC already operates a Unified Military Command headquartered in Riyadh, established to facilitate military coordination and strengthen collective defence arrangements across the region.

The additional facility in Kuwait, supported by designated military forces, is intended to reinforce these existing structures and expand the bloc's capacity to respond to evolving regional security threats.