United Kingdom Announces Deployment of Fighter Jets to Defend Saudi Arabia; RAF Typhoon Aircraft to Intercept Houthi Ballistic Missiles and Drones
LONDON: Britain has pledged to send fighter planes to Saudi Arabia to help protect the kingdom from the growing attacks from the Houthis in Yemen.
The British Ministry of Defense says Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter planes will conduct special protection air operations to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. Houthi strikes in the past month involving ballistic missiles and drones launched at oil facilities, airports and other key areas have dramatically increased, officials said.
The UK’s Defense deployment to Saudi Arabia highlights include:
Defensive Air Missions: RAF Typhoon aircraft will take active measures to intercept and neutralize the missiles and drones threatening to enter Saudi airspace.
The UK has already supplied Saudi Arabia with air defence equipment and British personnel, and is also currently supporting the kingdom with aerial refuelling assistance, the British Prime Minister’s Office spokesman said.
Saudi Logistics and defence capabilities will be bolstered with a UK contribution of an Atlas A400M transport aircraft which is another component of the enhanced defence package.