Britain sends Typhoon fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthis
The UK has deployed RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to provide defensive air support against Houthi missile and drone attacks. Officials emphasized that the mission is strictly defensive and will not involve offensive strikes.
Why it matters
This deployment marks an escalation in British military involvement in the Middle East to protect regional infrastructure.
Britain has expanded its military support for Saudi Arabia against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, deploying RAF Typhoon jets for defensive air patrols and extending its air-to-air refuelling mission by another 90 days, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Tuesday.According to the UK ministry of defence, the RAF Typhoons will conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia to protect cities, civilians and critical infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks.Streeting said the British aircraft would not strike Houthi targets. Britain will also send a military transport aircraft and an unspecified number of military advisers to Saudi Arabia.According to The Associated Press, Britain had last month offered in-air refuelling support for Saudi aircraft operating against the Iran-backed Houthis.Britain maintains a military presence across the Middle East, including RAF facilities in Cyprus and Qatar and naval facilities in Bahrain.
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