UK to deploy fighter jets to support Saudi Arabia against Houthi strikes

The United Kingdom will deploy combat aircraft for “defensive” missions to help Saudi Arabia protect itself from Houthi strikes on its territory, the British Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday. These missions aim “to contribute to the protection of Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure against air attacks, by mobilizing Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets”, but these aircraft “will not carry out any offensive strikes against the Houthis,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Contribute to the protection of Saudi cities”

The United Kingdom will deploy combat aircraft for “defensive” missions to help Saudi Arabia protect itself from strikes carried out by Yemen’s Houthis on its territory, the British Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday. These missions aim “to contribute to the protection of Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure against air attacks, by mobilizing Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets”, but these aircraft “will not carry out any offensive strikes against the Houthis,” the ministry said in a statement.

London will also provide Riyadh with a Royal Air Force A400M aircraft “to facilitate the movement of defense equipment” across the territory, and will deploy British military advisers to the Saudi general staff. “The Houthis’ continued attacks on our ally, Saudi Arabia, are absolutely despicable. Their targeting of Riyadh airport, in particular, demonstrates the extremes to which the Houthis are willing to resort to to escalate the situation in the region,” Defense Minister Wes Streeting was quoted as saying in the statement.

Almost daily strikes

London already provided logistical support to Riyadh, via the deployment of air defense equipment against missile and drone attacks and the provision of in-flight refueling planes for Saudi aircraft carrying out defensive operations against these attacks.

The Saudi kingdom is targeted by almost daily strikes by the Houthis, supported by Iran, against airports, energy installations and military sites. In recent days, strikes have reached unprecedented intensity, particularly at Riyadh airport, closed after an attack on October 10 which left 13 dead and hundreds injured, the heaviest toll in more than 10 years on Saudi soil.