The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as Houthi missile and drone attacks intensify, threatening the kingdom’s cities and critical energy infrastructure.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting says the deployment will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air defences, with the British jets restricted to defensive operations and barred from launching offensive strikes against the Houthis.
The move follows drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and energy facilities along the country’s coast.
Britain will also deploy military advisers and an RAF A400M transport aircraft to support the defensive mission.
The UK is already providing Saudi Arabia with defence equipment and air-to-air refuelling support for defensive operations. The refuelling arrangement has now been extended by another 90 days.
Streeting says the reported targeting of Riyadh airport highlights the Houthis’ escalating threat to regional security and prompted Britain to approve additional military assistance.
The Iran-backed group, which controls parts of western Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, has launched missiles and drones at Saudi airports, oil and gas facilities, and military bases.
The attacks are in retaliation for strikes on Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, where the group remains locked in a civil war with the internationally recognised government, backed by Saudi Arabia.
The British deployment comes amid growing concerns over regional instability and the threat posed by missile and drone attacks to critical infrastructure across the Middle East.
