The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy combat aircraft to Saudi Arabia to protect the country from attacks by the Houthi rebels. The Ministry of Defence stated that the missions are defensive in nature, with the aircraft being sent to "help protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from air attacks." The Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets will not be used for offensive strikes against the Houthis.
Key points
The UK has taken defensive measures to protect Saudi Arabia.: The UK has taken defensive measures to protect Saudi Arabia.
The deployment is aimed at safeguarding cities and critical infrastructure.: The deployment is aimed at safeguarding cities and critical infrastructure.
The Royal Air Force will not engage in offensive operations against the Houthis.: The Royal Air Force will not engage in offensive operations against the Houthis.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
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UK to deploy aircraft to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks
20 October 2026 12:12 BST
The UK will deploy combat aircraft for "defensive" missions to help Saudi Arabia protect itself against strikes by the Houthis on its territory.
The Ministry of Defence said the missions were intended "to help protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from air attacks, by deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets," but added the aircraft "will not carry out any offensive strikes against the Houthis."
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