UK Adds RAF Typhoon Patrols to Saudi Defence Support

The United Kingdom will add Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter patrols to its military support for Saudi Arabia, with the aircraft assigned to help defend against Houthi missiles and drones, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Tuesday. He said the jets would conduct defensive counterair missions and would not carry out strikes against Houthi targets on the ground. The patrols are intended to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical infrastructure from aerial attacks. The UK government has not specified how many Typhoons will take part, where they will operate or when missions will begin. The announcement describes the planned role but does not confirm that the aircraft have started flying patrols. The package also includes an RAF A400M transport aircraft to move defence materiel within Saudi Arabia and British military advisers to assist Saudi staff officers, Streeting said. Britain will extend its air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi defensive air operations by 90 days. That support was announced last month. The UK Ministry of Defence said the refuelling assistance may support Saudi operations against Houthi military targets in Yemen that threaten Saudi and...