World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
UK to Send RAF Jets to Defend Saudi Arabia From Houthi Attacks
Britain will send RAF Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia from missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The jets will patrol Saudi airspace and will not strike Houthi targets, the UK defence secretary said.
Britain will also send a military transport plane and advisers, and extend air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi jets by 90 days.
The Houthis’ attacks have hit Saudi airports and oil facilities, while the conflict between the rebels and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has escalated.
Yemen’s civil war began in 2014, and a Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year to support the government.
Britain says there is no long-term military solution and backs a UN-led political process for peace.
Further details are expected in a written statement to the UK Parliament.
The UK will deploy RAF Typhoon fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi aerial attacks.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the jets would fly defensive missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure.
The ministry said the aircraft would not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.
Britain will also provide an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers.
The additional support follows a request from the Saudi government, according to the Straits Times.
- Who
- The UK is deploying RAF Typhoon fighter jets to support Saudi Arabia.
- What
- The jets will fly defensive missions against aerial attacks. Britain will also provide a transport aircraft and military advisers.
- When
- Announced on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including its cities, airspace and critical infrastructure.
- Why
- To help protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi aerial attacks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Guardian reported that a Houthi offensive in Yemen began and that the conflict escalated.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain was prepared to consider Saudi Arabia’s request for support.
Yemeni authorities said a Houthi strike on a training camp killed 58 people.
The UK announced the deployment of Typhoon jets and additional military support for Saudi Arabia.
- Fighter jets
- RAF Typhoon
- Transport aircraft
- Atlas A400M
- Additional personnel
- UK military advisers
- Announced
- October 20, 2026
- Mission
- Defensive air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure
10 sources
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UK to deploy Typhoon jets to help defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks
UK to deploy fighter jets to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks
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What people are saying
These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.
The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable.
RAF Typhoons will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles.