The UK will deploy RAF Eurofighter Typhoons to fly defensive counter-air missions protecting Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from Houthi missiles and drones. The aircraft will operate solely in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, expanding Britain’s military contribution beyond air-defence equipment, personnel and refuelling support already provided to Saudi Arabia.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting authorised the additional support amid escalating Houthi attacks in the region, including strikes targeting Saudi infrastructure and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The UK government described the attacks as an escalation threatening civilian infrastructure.
The package also includes an RAF A400M Atlas transport aircraft to move defence materiel within Saudi Arabia and UK military advisers to support Saudi staff officers. Britain is extending air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi defensive air operations, including missions intended to degrade Houthi military targets in Yemen that threaten Saudi and Yemeni civilians.
The announcement did not specify the number of Typhoons, their operating base or when the missions will begin. It also left the rules for intercepting incoming weapons undefined. RAF Typhoons previously conducted offensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen alongside US aircraft in 2024, but that role is separate from the newly announced defensive mission.