UK to send Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to defend against Houthi attacks

The British government announced the deployment of RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for defensive missions against Houthi missile and drone attacks. The decision was approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. A military transport aircraft A400M and military advisers will also be sent, and air-to-air refuelling has been extended for 90 days. British aircraft will not carry out offensive strikes against the Houthis.

Sevara MirzayevaFirst published on tafs uz 20 October 2026 at 16:272 min read

The key facts

RAF Typhoon jets will carry out only defensive tasks protecting Saudi Arabia's airspace
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes on Riyadh airport on 10 and 11 October: 14 killed, more than 300 wounded
Refuelling support for Saudi defensive operations has been extended for 90 days

London's decision

The government of the United Kingdom on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, announced the deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to protect its cities and critical infrastructure from attacks by Yemen's Houthis. As stated in the government statement, the aircraft will carry out defensive missions to protect Saudi airspace from missile and drone attacks, but will not launch offensive strikes against the Houthis. According to the BBC, the mission was authorised by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Support package

In addition to the fighter jets, the United Kingdom will send a military transport aircraft, an RAF A400M, to move military equipment within Saudi Arabia, as well as military advisers to support Saudi staff officers. London will also extend for 90 days its support for air-to-air refuelling for Saudi defensive air operations, including operations striking Houthi military targets in Yemen. In addition, Saudi Arabia is already being supplied with equipment for protection against air attacks.

Context of the attacks

The decision followed Houthi attacks on the Saudi capital Riyadh, as well as on energy facilities on the country's coast. According to the BBC, the Houthis claimed responsibility for two strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 and 11 October, which killed 14 people and wounded more than 300. Earlier this month, the Houthis' military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, vowed to continue 'escalating operations deep inside Saudi Arabia'. According to the BBC, the Houthis are waging a civil war against the internationally recognised government of Yemen, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, and are responding to strikes on territories they control in western Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.

Statements and warnings

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said in a written statement that the ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia were 'absolutely abhorrent' and noted that the strikes on Riyadh airport 'show the lengths the Houthis will go to escalate the situation in the region'. 'That is why today I have approved additional UK military support,' he added. The government also warned that an escalation of violence in the Persian Gulf could affect the UK through a rising cost of living, disruptions to energy supplies and increased costs for British companies.