The British government announced on June 24 that it will deploy fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks from the Houthi force in Yemen, according to a statement from the UK Ministry of Defence.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Typhoon fighter jets will operate in a "defensive role" and will not carry out strikes against the Houthis. The ministry said: "The UK will conduct defensive air missions to help protect Saudi Arabia's cities and critical national infrastructure from air attacks, using Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters."
The support package also includes expanded air-to-air refuelling for Saudi air operations, the Ministry of Defence said.
The announcement comes as intense fighting continues between the Iran-backed Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have carried out missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, including the main airport in the capital Riyadh. In response, the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's government has launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "Continued Houthi attacks against our Saudi allies are utterly condemnable. The targeting of Riyadh airport in particular demonstrates the extent to which the Houthis are willing to escalate the situation in the region."
He added: "That is why today I have approved additional UK military support. Royal Air Force Typhoons will carry out defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles. This builds on the equipment and personnel the UK has already deployed to the country to defend against Houthi air attacks."
