The UK is set to provide additional defensive military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This decision follows renewed Houthi attacks and escalating violence in the region.
An RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft will be deployed to support Saudi defensive activity, which is in support of the legitimate government of Yemen. This action comes after a request from the Saudi Arabian Government.
The UK government stated that escalating tensions in the Gulf could impact the UK through increased prices, disruption to energy supplies, and extra costs for British businesses. It added that the Houthis pose a threat to regional stability in the Middle East, and it is in the UK’s national economic and security interest that they do not succeed.
This new support builds on the UK’s existing military contribution to Saudi Arabia’s air defence, which includes air defence equipment and UK personnel assisting in protection against missile and drone attacks.