The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, hosted the tenth Dragon Group meeting at Trinity House in London during the week of the report, according to a UK Ministry of Defence news story published on 23 October 2026. The UK welcomed partners from across the Gulf and Middle East to the gathering, which takes its name from its first meeting aboard HMS Dragon in 2018.

The ministry said the group regularly brings together defence chiefs to exchange views on security challenges facing the region and the wider world. It described the meeting as an opportunity to discuss shared challenges, learn from recent experience and consider how to deepen cooperation in support of regional security and stability.

Discussions covered global and regional issues, including the impact of Houthi escalation against Saudi Arabia and conflict between the US and Iran, while reinforcing longstanding defence relationships between the UK and its regional partners. Members listed by the ministry include Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and the UAE, along with a representative from the GCC.