As reported on 20 October 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence said the UK would provide additional defensive military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, citing escalating Houthi attacks in the region. Under the plan, RAF Typhoon fighter jets would fly defensive counter-air missions to help protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure against aerial attack. The aircraft were to operate in a defensive role and would not carry out offensive strikes against the Houthis.

The support also included an RAF A400M aircraft for moving defence materiel within Saudi Arabia and UK military advisers to assist Saudi staff officers. The ministry said this built on existing UK defensive contributions, including deployed air defence equipment against missiles and drones, and an extension of air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi defensive air operations, including against Houthi military targets in Yemen.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he approved the further support, describing continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as despicable and citing the targeting of Riyadh's airport. The ministry condemned attacks on civilian targets and said Saudi Arabia and Yemen had the right to defend themselves.