UK boosts military support for Saudi Arabia with defensive air patrols against Houthis

The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy Royal Air Force fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to strengthen its defence against missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

According to the Associated Press, British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced the expansion on Tuesday, saying Typhoon jets would conduct “defensive” air patrols over Saudi territory.

Streeting explained that the aircraft would protect Saudi cities, civilians and critical infrastructure without attacking Houthi positions.

Britain will also deploy a military transport aircraft and additional military advisers while extending its existing aerial refuelling mission by 90 days.

The announcement follows renewed Houthi attacks, including strikes targeting Riyadh’s international airport earlier this month.

Streeting condemned the attacks as “despicable” but stressed that military intervention alone could not resolve Yemen’s conflict.

He reaffirmed Britain’s support for a United Nations-led peace process, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government insisted its assistance remained strictly defensive amid escalating regional tensions.