Middle East
Britain sends Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi missiles
London announces air defense missions a day after a ballistic missile strike in Yemen's Shabwa province killed dozens of recruits.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 20, 2026, 13:30 · Updated 12:21 · 1 min read
In brief
- The British Ministry of Defence says the Typhoon jets will fly only defensive missions over Saudi cities.
- The package includes air-to-air refueling, military advisers and an A400M transport aircraft.
- A Houthi strike on a training camp in Shabwa killed at least 53 recruits and wounded more than 200.
The United Kingdom will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Ministry of Defence said Tuesday that the aircraft will fly air defense missions for Saudi cities and critical infrastructure and will not strike Houthi targets.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called the attacks on the Saudi ally “absolutely disgusting.” In addition to the jets, London will expand air-to-air refueling for Saudi operations and send military advisers as well as an A400M transport aircraft. The number of jets was not made public.
Massacre in Shabwa
The decision follows an escalation of Houthi attacks, including strikes on Riyadh's main airport and on energy facilities. On Monday, three ballistic missiles hit a security forces training camp near Ataq, in Shabwa province, during the morning lineup. Provincial authorities reported at least 53 dead and more than 200 wounded, while Governor Awad al-Wazir spoke of 58 victims and 14 missing.
The Houthis claimed, without providing evidence, that the camp was run by Saudi officers. Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council promised a strong response, while Saudi Arabia postponed its annual investment conference until next year.
Support for Riyadh from other countries is also being discussed in the region: Egypt's parliament again postponed a vote on military aid to Saudi Arabia, with a new session set for Oct. 26.
