The UK is sending fighter jets and military transport planes to support Saudi Arabia against threats from Houthi militants backed by Iran, especially following a series of recent attacks on the kingdom.
According to the Financial Times, sources have indicated that Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets will carry out defensive missions aimed at protecting Saudi cities and essential infrastructure from missile and drone strikes by the Yemeni group.
Defense Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the RAF Typhoons will “conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia, helping to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations, and critical national infrastructure from Houthi attack.”
Additionally, an Atlas A400M transport plane is being deployed to assist in relocating heavy equipment throughout Saudi Arabia, as noted in the FT report.
This move builds on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s prior decision—announced last month—to send an RAF Voyager refueling aircraft to the region, first reported by Bloomberg.
Britain has previously mobilized air defense systems and military advisors to help the kingdom defend against missile and drone threats.
RAF air-to-air refueling capabilities are also being extended for another 90 days, as stated by Streeting.
Burnham condemned the Houthi “appalling attacks” against a Saudi airport earlier this month, which resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including an American, and left over 300 injured due to a missile strike on the country’s busiest airport.
This incident was noted as the deadliest assault in more than a decade, according to the Wall Street Journal, and occurred amidst an increasing Houthi missile campaign targeting the kingdom’s airports and other civilian sites.
Burnham assured the House of Commons that the UK would “continue to stand with Saudi Arabia” in light of these developments.
More to come…
