Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, that the United Kingdom will add defensive air patrols to its military assistance for Saudi Arabia, deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon jets to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure.
The decision was revealed in London as part of a broader effort that also includes a military transport aircraft and an unspecified number of British advisers sent to Saudi Arabia. Streeting clarified that the RAF jets will conduct defensive counter‑air operations over Saudi territory, intercepting missiles and drones launched by the Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, but they will not strike Houthi targets.
Britain had already agreed last month to provide in‑air refuelling for Saudi aircraft operating against the Houthis. That support has now been extended for another 90 days, Streeting said, reinforcing the kingdom's air defences amid a
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📰 Source: Siasat Gulf