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UK military support for Saudi Arabia

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2026-10-20 14:57 UTC → 2026-10-20 23:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The United Kingdom has expanded its military support for Saudi Arabia following a surge in Houthi drone and missile attacks. While the initial deployment involved a Royal Air Force (RAF) Voyager aircraft and air defense systems operating from Cyprus, the UK has now announced the deployment of RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft to conduct defensive air missions. The UK Ministry of Defence stated the Typhoon jets are intended to intercept missiles and drones to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure, emphasizing they will not participate in offensive strikes within Yemen. This deployment also includes military advisors to assist Saudi staff officers and an Atlas A400M military transport aircraft for moving defensive materials. The escalation follows intense Houthi activity, including strikes on oil facilities and airports. A recent attack on Riyadh International Airport reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others, with the airport being hit 20 times since the beginning of the month. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the continuous attacks against the Saudi ally as “absolutely outrageous.” Previously, Prime Minister Andy Burnham reported that the Voyager had completed 14 operational missions by October 12, 2026. ~~The UK government maintains~~ To support ongoing operations, the ~~mission~~ UK is ~~‘purely defensive’ to protect regional stability. However,~~ extending the deployment of a Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft in the region for an additional 90 days. Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Sare’e has criticized the escalation, claiming Saudi warplanes have conducted numerous airstrikes against civilian sites in Sanaa, Taiz, and Marib, resulting in significant casualties.

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