UK to deploy RAF Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks
In short
The UK said on Tuesday it will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to fly defensive missions protecting Saudi Arabia from Houthi missile and drone attacks. The UK said the jets will not conduct offensive strikes in Yemen. Bloomberg reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham had asked the RAF to fly the missions.
Read the full story 2 min read
The United Kingdom said on Tuesday it will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the jets will fly "defensive counter-air missions" to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. [ 4 , 6 ]
Bloomberg reported earlier in the day, citing British officials familiar with the matter, that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham had asked the Royal Air Force to fly defensive missions to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks. Reuters carried the report, attributing it to Bloomberg. [ 1 , 2 ]
A spokesperson for the prime minister's office said the Typhoons will intercept missiles and drones launched against Saudi Arabia and will not conduct offensive strikes inside Yemen. Newsweek quoted Defence Secretary Wes Streeting as saying the aircraft will be deployed in a "defense role and will not conduct offensive strikes". Newsweek said the Ministry of Defence did not specify how many Typhoons would be sent. It quoted analyst Michael Clarke telling Sky News that there may be four aircraft and that questions remain over where they might operate from. [ 4 , 5 ]
The Ministry of Defence said the RAF would also provide an Airbus A400M Atlas jet to support the movement of defence materiel within Saudi Arabia, and that UK military advisers will support Saudi staff officers. Streeting said the step "builds on the UK equipment and personnel we already have in the country to defend against Houthi air attacks". CNN reported that the UK already provides air-to-air refuelling and has deployed air defence equipment and personnel. Newsweek said the arrangement has been extended by 90 days. [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]
CNN reported that the Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia over the past month, launching ballistic missiles and drones at infrastructure including oil facilities and airports. Newsweek said the Houthis claimed two strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 and 11 October, which killed 13 people and injured 308. CNN put the number wounded at more than 300. [ 4 , 5 ]
CNN said Saudi Arabia has sought military support from regional and Western allies. It reported that France agreed to deploy defence assets including military personnel, that more than 100 American military advisers are on the ground, that Pakistan has forces stationed in the kingdom, and that the Egyptian parliament is debating whether to send support. The Ministry of Defence said it "unequivocally" condemns the Houthi attacks on civilian targets such as King Khalid International Airport. [ 4 , 6 ]
Why it matters
The move extends UK support that already includes air-to-air refuelling, air defence equipment and personnel. It comes after Houthi strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people, according to CNN and Newsweek.
Key facts
- The UK said it will deploy RAF Typhoon fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]
- The UK Ministry of Defence said the jets will fly defensive counter-air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. [ 4 , 6 ]
- The jets will operate only in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis, according to the UK. [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The RAF will also provide an Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft, and UK military advisers will support Saudi staff officers. [ 5 , 6 ]
- Newsweek reported that the Houthis claimed two strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 and 11 October that killed 13 people and injured 308. [ 5 ]
- Bloomberg, citing British officials familiar with the matter, reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham asked the RAF to fly the defensive missions. [ 1 , 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The UK will deploy RAF Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence. [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 ]
- The Typhoons will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis. [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The UK already provides Saudi Arabia with air-to-air refuelling, defence equipment and personnel. [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- A strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 13 people. [ 4 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- How many Typhoons will be sent. Newsweek said the Ministry of Defence did not specify a number; analyst Michael Clarke told Sky News there may be four.
- Where the jets will operate from. Newsweek quoted Clarke saying questions remain over where they might operate from and what footprint they require.
- Whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham personally asked the RAF to fly the missions. This comes from Bloomberg's report citing British officials; Reuters repeated it citing Bloomberg.
- Whether Egypt will send military support to Saudi Arabia. CNN reported the Egyptian parliament is debating the question.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Bloomberg reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham had asked the RAF to fly defensive missions to protect Saudi Arabia. [ 1 ]
- Reuters relayed the Bloomberg report. [ 2 ]
- CNN reported that the UK said it will deploy fighter jets, citing a Defence Ministry statement. [ 4 ]
- Newsweek reported Defence Secretary Wes Streeting's statement that the aircraft will be deployed in a defence role. [ 5 ]
- CNBC published the Ministry of Defence's statement on the Typhoon and A400M deployment. [ 6 ]
- UPI reported that Britain will send RAF Typhoon jets, citing the Ministry of Defense. [ 8 ]