U.K. to offer Saudi Arabia aerial refuelling to counter Houthi attacks
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that Britain will provide air-to-air refuelling support to Saudi Arabia to counter Houthi rebel attacks. The move aims to protect regional stability and secure oil shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Why it matters
This military cooperation marks a significant shift in UK foreign policy regarding the Yemen conflict and regional energy security.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said that Britain has agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia to repeal attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Mr. Burnham on Monday (September 22, 2026) told reporters as he flew to the United Nations General Assembly in New York that he had agreed the Royal Air Force will provide air-to-air refuelling of Saudi planes.
The agreement is for a matter of weeks, but Mr. Burnham said it will be kept under review.
The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-backed government has reignited, with Houthis aiming missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, including one that targeted Riyadh on Saturday (September 19, 2026) before being intercepted.
The Houthis also declared a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, attacking Saudi-linked vessels and oil facilities inside the kingdom, the world's top oil exporter.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in