RAF typhoons to help shield saudi cities as houthi attacks rise
Britain will deploy RAF Typhoon jets to help defend Saudi cities and infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks, expanding its military support.
Britain will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets on defensive missions to help protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday, October 20.
The deployment expands Britain’s military support for Saudi Arabia as attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement intensify. British officials said the aircraft would help defend Saudi airspace but would not carry out offensive strikes against Houthi targets.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the decision followed continuing attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of Riyadh’s airport.
“The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable,” Streeting said in a statement. “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 additional assistance follows a request from the Saudi government. Britain will also send an Atlas A400M military transport aircraft and military advisers to support the movement of defence equipment and assist Saudi personnel.
The announcement builds on military assistance agreed in September, when Britain provided air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi defensive air operations. The UK has now extended that support by another 90 days, according to the Associated Press.
The British government said the fighter jets would operate in a defensive role, distinguishing the new mission from offensive operations against the Houthis. However, the broader support package also includes refuelling assistance for Saudi defensive air operations intended to counter Houthi military threats.
The move comes as fighting between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognised government has intensified. The Yemeni government is backed by Saudi Arabia, while the Houthis have increased attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities and airports.
The conflict escalated further on Monday when a Houthi attack struck a training camp for Saudi-backed government security forces in Yemen’s Shabwa province. Reuters initially reported that local authorities said 58 people had been killed, while the Associated Press later cited the provincial governor as saying the death toll had risen to 73.
Britain has warned that continued attacks could threaten regional stability, disrupt energy supplies and affect international trade routes. Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and its position near important maritime routes make the security situation significant beyond the immediate conflict in Yemen.
