UK Offers Saudi Arabia Air Support Against Houthi Attacks

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Britain will provide Saudi Arabia with “defensive” military support in response to attacks it has faced from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Calls It “Defensive” To Aid Anti-Drone And Missile Activity

In remarks made while travelling with reporters to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burnham said the UK will supply air-to-air refuelling support intended to help Saudi forces respond to incoming threats.

It was understood the assistance is expected to start in the coming days.

Voyager Aircraft to Provide Refuelling Link-Up

Officials said the support will likely involve a single British Voyager aircraft from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Defensive support, UK representatives said, refers to assistance that would enable Saudi air force jets to continue shooting down incoming Houthi drones and ballistic missiles.

The Voyager is part of the Royal Air Force’s wider fleet of nine aircraft used for refuelling and support missions, with eight registered for military use and one civilian-registered. Officials also said five additional aircraft are available for military recall if needed.

Government sources said the offer is time-limited and, in the first instance, expected to last for weeks.

Decision Tied to Regional Disruption Risk

Burnham said the move followed a request from Saudi Arabia for wider “military support”. He said he agreed to the proposal on the advice of Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.

In linking the decision to domestic pressures, Burnham said cost of living concerns were among the factors considered, arguing Britain had an interest in maintaining stability in the region.

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He said Saudi Arabia had been experiencing attacks and was assessing potential further disruption, and that keeping routes open was part of the reasoning for the agreement.

Shipping lanes through the Red Sea, officials noted, are a vital part of the world economy.

In recent days, the Houthis have said they carried out drone and ballistic missile strikes on Riyadh, as well as attacks on energy sites on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. They have also seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, described as gateways linked to Red Sea shipping.

UK Past Strikes And NATO Signals

The Houthis are fighting a civil war in Yemen against the internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.

Last month’s discussions follow earlier UK involvement in strikes against Houthi targets. In January 2024, the UK joined the United States in launching air strikes across Yemen aimed at Houthi positions. At the time, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK acted in self-defence after the Houthis targeted ships, including a Royal Navy warship, and said the strikes were necessary, proportionate and targeted. More joint strikes followed later in 2024.

More broadly, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte signalled last week that European allies may coordinate responses. He said he would not be surprised if European countries discussed how they might deal with the situation, adding that Nato could help if required.

Separately, Energy Minister Martin McCluskey told MPs last week that the UK was providing air defence support for Saudi Arabia through the defence partnership, without giving details of operational activity when asked.

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22 September 2026