UK plans Typhoon patrols to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks

Britain plans to fly RAF Typhoon jets on defensive missions over Saudi Arabia to protect cities and critical infrastructure from aerial attack, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday. The patrols would add fighter aircraft to British air-defence support against Houthi missile and drone attacks. [1]

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting cited the targeting of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as a reason for the decision. NOS reported on 12 October that the airport had come under Houthi fire several times the previous week. The Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government. [1] [5] [2]

The ministry says the Typhoons will not carry out offensive strikes against the Houthis. Britain also plans to send an RAF A400M transport aircraft and military advisers to support Saudi officers. The announcement does not specify how many Typhoons or advisers will be sent, or when the patrols will begin. [1]

That limit on offensive strikes applies to the Typhoons, not to every form of British support. The ministry says it is extending air-to-air refuelling assistance for Saudi operations, including those aimed at Houthi military targets in Yemen. Britain announced an RAF Voyager tanker in September, when it said British personnel and air-defence equipment were already helping Saudi Arabia defend against missiles and drones. [1] [3]