A committee has been set up to work on a cooperative effort to build a joint missile defence system for the six-member GCC states, according to a report by London-based Reuters.

Hamad al-Khalifah, commander of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, said that the results of the committee’s work could be announced soon.

This development is seen as a counter measure for the ongoing development of Iran’s ballistic missile defence system. Iran tested a missile in October, prompting the US government to impose sanctions on 11 entities alleged to be aiding Iran in obtaining materials for the programme.

It is understood that the GCC states have previously made unsuccessful attempts to promote a cross-border missile defence system. The recent developments in Iran, however, seem to have provided a new impetus for the programme.

The GCC states have maintained that the recent lifting of nuclear sanctions on Iran, and its integration into the international community, could enable Iran to develop more advanced missile defence systems, which is perceived as a direct threat to the region.

Iran, however, has said its missile defence is not designed to carry nuclear warheads and it therefore does not violate any international accord.