The British Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday its intention to deploy Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to carry out defensive missions against Houthi attacks targeting the kingdom cities and vital infrastructure. According to the British defense establishment,
the operation will include Typhoon jets alongside an Atlas A400M military transport aircraft. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated in a written parliamentary statement that Royal Air Force Typhoon jets will conduct air defense operations over Saudi airspace to help
protect Saudi cities, civilian populations, and critical national infrastructure from Houthi attacks. He added that these aircraft will operate exclusively within defensive roles and will not execute offensive strikes against the Houthis. Streeting further stated that Britain categorically condemns Houthi
attacks and fully supports the right of Saudi Arabia and the legitimate Yemeni government to defend themselves. He stressed that Britain cannot allow international maritime navigation to be threatened or held hostage in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb
strait. The British defense minister explained that the deployment of these forces comes as part of supporting efforts aimed at creating conditions for a political solution to the conflict. He also announced the extension of the presence of a Voyager
air-to-air refueling aircraft in Saudi Arabia for an additional ninety days. Streeting had announced last month the deployment of a single Voyager aircraft to support the Saudi air forces.
