Britain to use Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthis

Britain's Ministry of Defence said Typhoon jets would conduct defensive air missions over Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks. According to the announcement, the jets will not conduct offensive strikes against the group in Yemen.

The official October 20 statement said the missions would protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure against aerial attack. Britain will also provide an A400M transport aircraft to move defence materiel within the country and military advisers to support Saudi staff officers.

London said the assistance builds on air-defence equipment already deployed in the region and extends air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi defensive operations. That support should be distinguished from the Typhoon missions, which the statement defined as defensive only.

The British statement condemned Houthi attacks on civilian targets, including Riyadh's airport. It did not specify the number of Typhoons assigned or when their missions would begin, so it does not establish that the new operations have already started.