The UK is set to deploy RAF Typhoon jets and prolong its air-to-air refuelling mission by an additional 90 days.
Britain has expanded its military support for Saudi Arabia against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, deploying RAF Typhoon jets for defensive air patrols and extending its air-to-air refuelling mission by another 90 days, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Tuesday.
The RAF Typhoons will conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia to protect cities, civilians and critical infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks, according to the UK ministry of defence. Streeting said the British aircraft would not strike Houthi targets. Britain had last month offered in-air refuelling support for Saudi aircraft operating against the Iran-backed Houthis, according to The Associated Press.
Britain will also send a military transport aircraft and an unspecified number of military advisers to Saudi Arabia.
The latest British deployment is aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defences against these aerial threats, according to The Associated Press. Earlier reporting noted: The defence ministry said the deployment formed part of “additional defensive military support” to Riyadh. Earlier reporting noted: “The UK will fly defensive counter-air missions to support the protection of Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure against aerial attack, using RAF Typhoon fighter jets,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement.
The move comes amid a renewed escalation in Yemen’s conflict, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Earlier reporting noted: British fighter planes will be deployed to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against increasing attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the UK government announced on Tuesday.