UK Typhoon fighter jets to fly 'defensive' missions to help protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks

The United Kingdom has announced it will offer additional defensive military assistance to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Ministry of Defence disclosed on Tuesday that Typhoon fighter jets will conduct defensive counter air missions to protect Saudi cities and vital national infrastructure from aerial threats.

These aircraft will operate defensively and refrain from launching offensive strikes against the Houthis. The UK will also supply an RAF A400M aircraft to facilitate the transportation of defense supplies within Saudi Arabia, alongside military advisors to assist Saudi staff officers. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing them as "absolutely despicable and dangerous for the region," particularly the bombing of civilian airports that resulted in hundreds of casualties.

He characterized the attacks as an "intolerable escalation." The Saudi-led coalition, established in 2015 to support Yemen's recognized government, has reported a surge in Houthi missile strikes on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The Houthis imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in July and have since targeted Saudi cities and shipping, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.

A Houthi assault on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh last month resulted in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries, according to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation.