The United Kingdom will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets on defensive missions over Saudi Arabia to protect towns, critical infrastructure, and regional trading routes from escalating Houthi attacks.
According to a Tuesday statement from the Ministry of Defence, the aircraft will assist in defending Saudi airspace against incoming drones and missiles without carrying out offensive strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the attacks, stating that the targeting of Riyadh’s airport marked a concerning escalation of regional violence.
“The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable,” Streeting said.
“That’s why today I have approved further UK military support. RAF Typhoons will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles.”
The Saudi government requested the deployment, following earlier statements this month from Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicating Britain’s willingness to consider providing extra assistance.
Along with the fighter jets, the UK will dispatch an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers. This deployment builds on the support announced in September, which featured an RAF Voyager air-to-air refueling tanker but omitted combat aircraft.
British officials emphasized that the Houthi attacks jeopardize regional stability, threatening energy supplies and essential shipping lanes.
The ongoing Yemeni conflict has intensified in recent weeks, marked by frequent Houthi strikes targeting Saudi oil facilities and critical infrastructure.
Backstory…
The latest escalation in the Yemen conflict has raised security concerns across the Gulf, following a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi.
The attacks have targeted key infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and facilities linked to state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco, raising concerns about civilian safety and disruptions to energy supplies.
The attacks come amid renewed fighting between the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.
The worsening violence has heightened tensions between the Houthis and Riyadh, with the group threatening further strikes against Saudi airports and oil facilities
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