The United Kingdom is sending Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to help defend the kingdom against escalating missile and drone attacks from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, according to a Financial Times report citing people familiar with the matter.
The Typhoons will fly defensive missions over Saudi territory, protecting cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi strikes. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the jets will “conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia, helping to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical national infrastructure from Houthi attack.”
An Atlas A400M military transport aircraft is also being sent to help move heavy equipment within the country, the FT reported.
The move expands on a commitment UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham made last month, when he ordered an RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft to Saudi Arabia. Bloomberg first reported the broader military deployment on Tuesday. Britain had already sent air-defence equipment and military advisers to help the kingdom counter missile and drone attacks, and Streeting said the RAF’s air-to-air refuelling mission will now be extended by another 90 days.
Deadliest Attack in a Decade
The deployment follows a Houthi missile strike earlier this month on Saudi Arabia’s busiest airport, which killed at least 12 people, including an American, and wounded more than 300 others. The Wall Street Journal reported it was the kingdom’s deadliest attack in more than a decade, part of an escalating Houthi campaign against Saudi airports and civilian infrastructure.
Burnham condemned the strike as an “appalling attack” and told the House of Commons that the UK will “continue to stand with Saudi Arabia” in response.
