RAF Typhoon fighter jets will carry out defensive air patrols over Saudi Arabia to help protect cities and critical infrastructure from drone and missile attacks by the Houthis, the Defence Ministry has said.
The aircraft will not take part in offensive strikes against the Iran-aligned group, with their role limited to defending Saudi airspace. Britain has said the Houthi attacks threaten regional stability and could disrupt energy supplies and trade routes.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the decision followed continuing attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of Riyadh airport.
“The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable,” he said. “The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region.”
Mr Streeting added: “That’s why today I have approved further UK military support. RAF Typhoons will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles.”
The additional assistance follows a request from the Saudi government, which Prime Minister Andy Burnham said earlier this month Britain was prepared to consider.
Britain will also send an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers. The move expands support announced in September, which included an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft but no fighter jets.
Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and other infrastructure have intensified in recent weeks as the conflict in Yemen has escalated.
Authorities inside Yemen said a Houthi strike on Monday against a training camp for Saudi-backed government security forces killed 58 people.
