Saudi air defence demands vie with Europe's needs to counter Russian threat

European allies are finding it difficult to provide Saudi Arabia with more air defence weapons, as these systems are needed to protect against the threat posed by Russian-backed rebels in Yemen. British and French defence sources reveal they cannot "strip out" air defence systems without weakening their deterrent against Russia in the Baltic region.

While Britain is sending Stormshadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, the kingdom urgently requires additional air defence capabilities. Houthi missile attacks, including a recent strike on King Khalid International Airport that killed 12 people, demonstrate Saudi Arabia's vulnerability. With commitments to Eastern Europe and a desperate need for missile and drone interceptors in Ukraine, western countries are running low on defensive equipment.

France plans to send defensive military systems to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, but lacks details on the equipment. A UK defence analyst highlights the scarcity of resources and the need to withdraw defences from Eastern Europe, which would weaken a key deterrent. American Patriot systems in the Middle East have been prioritised for US bases, with spare interceptors drawn down from western Pacific stocks.

Saudi Arabia is eager for Britain to take a larger role in its defence, viewing the UK as a reliable and trustworthy partner. Britain may offer intelligence gathered through satellites and listening stations in Cyprus to monitor Houthi activity.