London: Britain will deploy Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets on defensive missions to protect Saudi cities, civilians and critical infrastructure from Houthi aerial attacks, expanding its military involvement as fighting intensifies in the region.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the aircraft would conduct defensive air operations over Saudi Arabia rather than strike Houthi targets. Britain will also provide military advisers and a transport aircraft, while extending its existing aerial refuelling mission by 90 days, AP reported.
The deployment follows Britain’s September 22 announcement that it would provide an RAF Voyager aircraft following a Saudi request. The aircraft refuels fighter jets in flight, allowing them to remain airborne for longer. Britain already contributes air defence equipment and personnel to help the kingdom counter missile and drone attacks.
The latest escalation has placed Saudi civilian and economic infrastructure under mounting pressure. Earlier this month, a missile strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people, according to reporting by The Guardian.
On Monday, the Houthis claimed further attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports, including targets in Yanbu, Shaybah, Riyadh and Abha. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed those claims, and Reuters said it could not independently verify them.
Fighting has also intensified inside Yemen. A Houthi attack on a government security forces training camp in Shabwa killed 58 people and injured more than 200 on Monday, Reuters reported.
The conflict has deep roots. A Saudi led coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 following a request from the country’s president. A UN brokered truce in April 2022 subsequently reduced violence and civilian casualties, but did not produce a lasting political settlement.
Britain has previously used Typhoon jets against Houthi positions. In February 2024, RAF aircraft joined US strikes on facilities in Yemen that Britain said supported attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab. The newly announced Saudi deployment is described as an air defence mission.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have meanwhile been coordinating under their Makkah defence agreement. Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said a proposal to engage the Houthis politically would be discussed by the pact’s members as an alternative to military action.
Britain has linked its support to protecting regional stability, trade and energy supplies, warning that Gulf insecurity can also raise prices and costs for British households and businesses.
