Britain assigns Typhoons to defend Saudi cities from aerial attacks
Britain announced defensive Typhoon missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure against Houthi missile and drone attacks. Transport aircraft, military advisers and extended refuelling support form part of the package. London says the Typhoons will not conduct offensive strikes in Yemen; fighter numbers, basing and the start of missions were not specified.
Geopolitics··Evening
Typhoons are assigned a defensive counter-air role
Britain announced that Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets would fly defensive counter-air missions to help protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure against Houthi missile and drone attacks. The Ministry of Defence said the fighters would not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis, the Yemen-based armed movement. The announcement expands Britain’s existing military assistance to Saudi Arabia. It did not specify fighter numbers, operating bases or when the missions would begin.[1], [2]
Transport aircraft and advisers join the package
An RAF A400M transport aircraft is to support movement of defence materiel inside Saudi Arabia. British military advisers are also to assist Saudi staff officers. Air-defence equipment and personnel had already been deployed to counter missile and drone attacks. London is extending air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi defensive air operations, including operations against Houthi military targets in Yemen. That refuelling commitment accompanies the separately defined defensive role of the Typhoons.[1], [2]
The refuelling support dates to September, when Britain accepted a Saudi request for an RAF Voyager tanker. That aircraft has supported Saudi defensive activity on behalf of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. British Typhoons also took part alongside US aircraft in strikes on Houthi targets in 2024 following attacks on Red Sea shipping. The new counter-air announcement therefore follows earlier British involvement, while expressly defining the task assigned to the fighters in this package.[2]
London cites attacks on Saudi infrastructure
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport when approving the additional support. The decision comes during renewed fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed internationally recognised government of Yemen. Saudi-led forces have attacked Houthi positions in Yemen. The British ministry linked Gulf violence to energy supplies, living costs and costs facing British businesses. The announcement described an approved mission and support package without reporting that the newly assigned fighters had already arrived or intercepted a target. London also expressed support for the Republic of Yemen’s right to defend itself.[1]
