UK to Deploy RAF Typhoons to Defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi Attacks
Britain approved the deployment following a Saudi request, adding fighter jets, an A400M transport aircraft, and military advisers to support the mission, which previously included aerial refueling.
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Britain will send RAF Typhoon fighters to shield Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi drones and missiles, expanding its military assistance after a request from Riyadh.
The Ministry of Defense announced the deployment on Tuesday, restricting the jets to defensive operations. They will not strike the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The decision adds combat aircraft to a support package announced in September, which included an RAF Voyager refueling aircraft.
The U.K. will also deploy an Atlas A400M transport plane and military advisers.
Saudi Request for Support
Defense Minister Wes Streeting said the decision followed continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, singling out the targeting of an airport in Riyadh.
“That’s why today I have approved further U.K. military support. RAF Typhoons will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham had indicated earlier this month that Britain was willing to consider Saudi Arabia’s request for additional assistance.
Attacks on Infrastructure Intensify
Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations and other infrastructure have increased in recent weeks alongside an escalation of the conflict in Yemen.
Britain says the attacks endanger regional stability, energy flows and commercial shipping routes.
The Typhoon deployment will extend support to defending Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure.
In Yemen, authorities said a Houthi attack on Monday killed 58 people at a training camp used by security forces aligned with the Saudi-backed government.
Ahmet Koçak
Ahmet Koçak is a news editor at Clash Report based in Istanbul. He previously served as Deputy Managing Editor at Türkiye Today, helping launch the digital news platform in 2023, and spent three years as Senior Editor at Daily Sabah. His work focuses on breaking news, geopolitics, international affairs, and digital journalism.
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