London (HRNW)- The United Kingdom has approved the deployment of an RAF Voyager aircraft to provide defensive air-to-air refueling support to Saudi Arabia following a request from Riyadh amid renewed Houthi attacks.
The British government said the assistance is intended to support Saudi defensive operations and help its aircraft remain in the air for longer while responding to missile and drone threats. The UK described the support as defensive in nature.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Saudi Arabia had formally requested the assistance and that the decision was taken after consultation with the Defence and Foreign Secretaries. He said the measure was aimed at helping protect the Kingdom while supporting regional stability and safeguarding vital trade and energy routes.
The mission is expected to begin within the coming days, with the duration subject to review. The deployment adds to the UK’s existing military contribution to Saudi Arabia’s air-defense efforts, including equipment and personnel supporting protection against missile and drone attacks.
The decision comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting between Saudi-backed forces and Yemen’s Houthi movement, with recent Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory. The wider conflict has also raised concerns over the security of regional trade and energy routes.
The British government said maintaining regional stability, protecting energy and trade supplies, and encouraging a diplomatic resolution to the Yemen conflict remain important UK interests.
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