The Royal Air Force is preparing to launch a defensive shield mission over Saudi Arabia to help protect the Kingdom from missile attacks by Houthi rebels.
RAF sources confirmed the planned operation this morning, following weeks of airstrikes by the Iranian-backed group, which is based in neighbouring Yemen.
British Typhoon fighter jets will be tasked with intercepting Houthi missiles and attack drones targeting Saudi cities, airports and vital energy infrastructure, including oil facilities.
The Government has stressed that the mission will not involve offensive strikes.
Downing Street said protecting Saudi Arabia serves the UK’s economic and security interests, while insisting that Britain is not being drawn into the wider conflict.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said today: ‘RAF Typhoon aircraft will conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia, helping to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical national infrastructure from Houthi attack.
‘These aircraft will operate solely in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.’
Backed by Tehran, the Houthis are attempting to disrupt Saudi oil exports and have carried out a series of deadly attacks on the country’s airports. One recent strike killed 13 people.
Saudi Arabia remains a key regional ally of the UK, with British personnel stationed there as military advisers.
Last year, the RAF carried out airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. Typhoon jets hit buildings at military sites used to manufacture attack drones, located 15 miles from the capital, Sanaa.
The Houthis have also attacked commercial shipping in the Red Sea since November 2023. The campaign cut shipping through the area by 55 per cent and cost billions of pounds.
An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon takes off from RAF Coningsby. The British aircraft will help protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical national infrastructure
A written ministerial statement confirming the imminent deployment of RAF assets to Saudi Arabia is expected later today.
Defence sources said the Typhoons would conduct defensive missions focused on protecting Saudi cities and industrial infrastructure.
The RAF is also expected to deploy an A400 transport aircraft to deliver supplies, as part of a move approved by Andy Burnham.
Last month, Mr Burnham sent British jets to help defend oil infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also said the RAF would provide air-to-air refuelling support for aircraft intercepting Houthi drones and missiles.
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Houthi rebels in Yemen have subjected the Kingdom to persistent and deadly missile attacks for weeks.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has reportedly been forced into hiding as the rebels continue to strike Riyadh.
Mohammed bin Salman, 41, has been moving between heavily guarded palaces equipped with bunkers, according to officials.
Earlier this month, the Kingdom was struck by its deadliest attack in a decade when a projectile hit King Khalid International Airport, killing 13 and injuring hundreds.
The Saudi capital’s airport was struck again days later, leaving one dead and 11 injured.
After this serious escalation in the war between the Saudi-led coalition government and Iran-backed Houthi fighters, Donald Trump warned the US could intervene.
Trump waded in on the conflict, telling reporters he ‘may’ join a counter attack after the Saudis vowed to retaliate.
As the Houthi strikes on Riyadh intensify the terrified crown prince has been closely guarded out of sight, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Surveillance footage shows the moment the passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked on Saturday October 10
The UK has warned against travel to Saudi Arabia – advising British nationals to ‘continue to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until the airport is secure’
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 41, meeting Donald Trump last year… he has been forced into hiding and is reportedly moving between heavily guarded palaces with bunkers
According to Saudi officials: ‘The 41-year-old crown prince is shuttling between heavily guarded palaces equipped with bunkers and is guarded by a handpicked security team.’
Schools across Riyadh have been forced to close and are operating with remote learning as Houthi attacks intensify.
It comes after President Trump last month described the Crown Prince as a ‘good friend’.
When asked by reporters about the momentum that Houthi fighters were gaining in Yemen, he said: ‘Everything is gonna work out fine and dandy. It’s gonna be very good.’
And earlier this month, when quizzed about US involvement in the conflict, the President said he is ‘going to look at it’.
The Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia on Sunday drew widespread criticism as the UK and EU condemned the attacks and reaffirmed their support for the country.
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