UK Deploys Fighter Jets to Bolster Saudi Arabia's Defense Against Houthi Attacks

Flames were seen burning at a facility belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco, south of Riyadh, on October 3, 2026. In recent weeks, Aramco, which is majority-owned by the Saudi state, has been targeted by Houthi authorities as part of the ongoing war in Yemen.

The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday its decision to deploy fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels operating from Yemen. The Royal Air Force will conduct “defensive counter-air missions” using Typhoon fighter jets to safeguard Saudi cities and critical infrastructure, according to a statement from the defense ministry.

Over the past month, the Houthis have escalated their attacks on Saudi Arabia, launching ballistic missiles and drones at vital infrastructure, including oil facilities and airports. These actions are reportedly in retaliation for the kingdom’s support of the Yemeni government.

UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated, “The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable. The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region.” He further added, “This builds on the UK equipment and personnel we already have in the country to defend against Houthi air attacks.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.