UK to send RAF Typhoons to defend Saudi cities from Houthi missiles and drones
Britain will send RAF Typhoon fighters to Saudi Arabia to fly defensive missions over cities and critical infrastructure and intercept Houthi missiles and drones. The plan was set out on 20 October in a government operational update titled 'UK military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia'. UK Government
The Ministry of Defence said the Typhoons will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis. RAF pilots will attempt to shoot down missiles and drones after attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities. The Guardian
The package includes an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers to support the Saudi defensive operation. Britain already provides air-to-air refuelling for Saudi fighter jets with an RAF Voyager.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting approved the further military support for RAF Typhoons to fly defensive air missions to protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles. The operation has been described as the most significant military mission signed off by Andy Burnham as prime minister. Further details are expected to be communicated to parliament in a written statement.
The announcement came days after Streeting met US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon to discuss responding to Houthi escalation. Yemen's Houthis are described as Iran-backed. Ynet
The attacks have caused deaths in Saudi Arabia. Thirteen people were killed when a missile hit King Khalid international airport in Riyadh, and 19 people have died in the country in the conflict involving Houthi attacks.
Saudi Press Agency has reported that Houthi attacks struck airports, ports, power stations, water desalination plants, and oil and gas facilities. Saudi Press Agency It said attacks extended to major refining facilities including SATORP in Jubail, the Ras Tanura refinery, the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, and the Riyadh refinery. A coalition spokesperson, Al-Malki, called for an immediate halt to all Houthi operations targeting civilians and civilian objects, including airports and ports.
Britain has previously worked with the United States to intercept Houthi fire. In January 2024, U.S. and British naval forces shot down 21 drones and missiles fired by Yemen-based Houthis toward the southern Red Sea. Reuters
Saudi Arabia operates Typhoons bought from Britain. BAE Systems supplied the country with 72 Typhoons in a deal originally worth £4.4bn.
