UK Deploys RAF Typhoons to Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Escalation
Jets to conduct defensive air missions as Houthi attacks intensify, impacting shipping and regional stability.
Sarah Connor
The UK will deploy RAF Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia.
"The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable," Streeting stated. "The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region. 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. This builds on the UK equipment and personnel already in the country to defend against Houthi air attacks.
The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable.
The Houthis remain locked in a civil war with Yemen's internationally recognized government, a conflict backed by Saudi Arabia. The group controls a significant portion of the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait.
Houthi forces have also launched attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea since November 2023. These actions have slashed shipping by 55% and incurred billions of pounds in costs. The Saudi capital's airport recently suffered a strike, resulting in casualties.
Britain's decision last month to offer in-air refueling of Saudi planes operating against the Houthis has now been extended by 90 days. Andy Burnham claims British planes would provide “defensive” air-to-air refueling for Saudi jets.
The Ministry of Defence claims the Houthi rebels are Iran-backed. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been forced into hiding, moving between heavily guarded palaces with bunkers.