UK To Deploy Typhoon Fighter Jets To Protect Saudi Arabia From Houthi Attacks

Britain will deploy Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the UK government announced on Tuesday, October 20.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the deployment would involve defensive air missions aimed at protecting Saudi airspace against missile and drone attacks. The fighter jets will not carry out offensive strikes against the Houthis, who are aligned with Iran.

“The UK will fly defensive counter air missions to support the protection of Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure against aerial attack, using RAF Typhoon fighter jets,” the ministry said in a statement.

Britain will also provide an RAF A400M military transport aircraft to move defence equipment within Saudi Arabia. British military advisers will accompany the deployment to support their Saudi counterparts.

The latest assistance builds on the UK's existing military support for Saudi Arabia, including air defence equipment and personnel helping counter aerial threats. London has also extended its air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi defensive air operations by another 90 days.

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the Houthi attacks and said strikes targeting Riyadh's international airport demonstrated the group's determination to escalate the conflict.

“The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable,” Streeting said.

He added that the targeting of the airport in Riyadh showed the extent to which the Houthis were seeking to intensify the regional crisis.

The airport has faced repeated attacks amid the recent escalation. According to reports, a strike earlier this month killed 13 people and injured more than 300, raising concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure and air travel.

The attacks have also heightened concerns over regional security, energy supplies and international trade routes. Instability in the Gulf and the Red Sea could disrupt shipments and increase costs for businesses and consumers.