RAF Typhoon fighters will conduct defensive missions over Saudi cities and infrastructure to protect against Houthi missile and drone attacks, marking the PM's most significant military commitment.
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01Summary
- 01RAF Typhoons will fly defensive missions, not offensive strikes, against Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.
- 02The operation was signed off by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as his most significant military mission.
- 03Britain will also provide an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers, alongside an existing RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling commitment.
- 04Thirteen people were killed when a Houthi missile hit King Khalid international airport in Riyadh this month.
- 05UK defence secretary Wes Streeting approved the deployment after talks with US counterpart Pete Hegseth on the Houthi escalation.
02Why it matters
This deployment deepens British military involvement in a regional conflict that has already hit energy prices and UK cost of living. It also reinforces the UK's long-standing defence partnership with Saudi Arabia.
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