LONDON — Britain will fly Royal Air Force Typhoon jets on defensive missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi aerial attacks, the Ministry of Defence said Tuesday.
The jets will fly defensive counter-air missions and will not carry out offensive strikes against the Houthis, the ministry said. Britain will also send an RAF A400M transport aircraft to help move defense equipment inside Saudi Arabia, and British military advisers will support Saudi staff officers.
The added support builds on Britain’s existing defensive contribution, which includes air defense equipment deployed to guard against missile and drone attacks. London is also extending its air-to-air refueling support for Saudi defensive air operations, including missions to degrade Houthi military targets in Yemen that threaten the Saudi and Yemeni people, the ministry said.
The ministry said the Houthi attacks deepen Yemen’s already devastating humanitarian crisis and that it is in Britain’s national economic and security interest that they do not succeed. It said escalating violence in the Gulf can drive up the cost of living in Britain, disrupt energy supplies and raise costs for British businesses.
Britain condemned the Houthi attacks on civilian targets such as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and said Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen have the right to defend themselves.
“The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable. The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region,” Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said.
“That’s why today I have approved further UK military support. RAF Typhoons will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles. This builds on the UK equipment and personnel we already have in the country to defend against Houthi air attacks.”
Have something to promote?
Bring your business, services or event to our readers.
