Overview
- The Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that RAF Typhoon jets will fly defensive counter-air missions over Saudi airspace to protect cities and key sites from Houthi drones and missiles.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said an RAF Voyager refuelling tanker has already completed 14 operational missions supporting Saudi defensive air patrols.
- The UK will also send an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and British military advisers to move equipment and assist Saudi forces, with all activity described as defensive and under regular review.
- British aircraft have already shot down hostile uncrewed aerial systems in the region, and the MoD frames the expanded role as protecting UK economic and security interests tied to shipping and energy routes.
- The move follows intensified Houthi strikes this month on Riyadh’s King Khalid airport and other infrastructure, a campaign that has disrupted flights, caused civilian deaths and raised the risk of wider regional escalation.