UK Sends Typhoon Jets to Shoot Down Houthi Missiles Over Saudi Cities
Britain deploys Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against escalating Houthi attacks, with pilots authorized to shoot down missiles and drones targeting Saudi cities and critical infrastructure.
Britain has deployed Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to defend the kingdom against escalating attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Ministry of Defence announced Tuesday [266668][267087]. The fighter jets will conduct "defensive counter-air missions" to protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from aerial attack [267280][267087].
The RAF pilots will attempt to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones targeting key facilities including airports and oil installations [267398]. The operation represents the most significant military mission approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and deepens Western involvement in the conflict [267398].
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group, have launched a series of strikes on Saudi territory over the past month, prompting the UK's decision to strengthen Saudi Arabia's air defenses [266668][267294]. The Ministry of Defence described the deployment as part of "additional defensive military support" for Riyadh [267087].
The announcement comes as Saudi air defenses intercepted a drone in the Riyadh region on Tuesday—the second such attack that day—following the interception of a ballistic missile earlier [266640]. Explosions were heard and a security warning was issued in the Saudi capital, though the coalition did not report any damage or injuries [266640].
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has also stated his country is ready to defend Saudi Arabia "if requested" as Houthi attacks on the kingdom escalate [265189].