UK to deploy Typhoon fighter jets to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks

The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to help defend the kingdom against growing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to help defend the kingdom against growing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The British Defence Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that the deployment would provide additional defensive military assistance to Riyadh amid rising security concerns across the region.

According to the ministry Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets will conduct defensive air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from aerial attacks. British officials stressed that the aircraft would be used exclusively for defensive purposes and would not carry out offensive strikes against Houthi targets.

The UK will also send a military transport aircraft to help move defence equipment within Saudi Arabia. British military advisers will accompany the deployment to assist Saudi officers with defence-related operations.

Defence Minister Wes Streeting strongly condemned the continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, describing them as unacceptable. He specifically highlighted the targeting of Riyadh’s international airport as an indication of the rebels’ escalating actions.

According to the report, the airport has faced repeated attacks since the beginning of October. A recent strike reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others raising concerns about the safety of civilians and essential infrastructure.

The Houthis have also intensified their campaign against Saudi interests at sea. Their actions have included attacks on oil tankers efforts to restrict maritime movement and control over parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline an important route for oil exports. These developments have contributed to rising energy prices and increased pressure on regional security.

The latest escalation comes as Yemen’s prolonged civil war has intensified again. Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government since 2015. However, a truce that had lasted for several years collapsed in September triggering renewed hostilities.

Saudi Arabia, Yemen’s government and the United States have accused Iran of supporting the Houthi movement. Tehran has rejected these allegations.

The British deployment signals increased security cooperation between London and Riyadh as Saudi Arabia faces continuing threats to its population, infrastructure and energy-related interests. The UK says its military support will focus on protecting the kingdom from aerial attacks rather than launching offensive operations against the Houthis.