UK to Deploy Defensive RAF Patrols Over Saudi Arabia

The United Kingdom will expand military support for Saudi Arabia by deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon jets on defensive air patrols, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Tuesday, while ruling out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The aircraft are intended to help protect Saudi cities, civilians and critical infrastructure from missiles and drones, according to Streeting and the Ministry of Defence. The announcement did not specify how many jets would be sent, when the patrols would begin or how long they would last. Streeting also said Britain would send a military transport aircraft and military advisers to Saudi Arabia. The UK will extend by 90 days its air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi aircraft, which was announced last month. A report on the earlier support said the refuelling mission had completed 14 operational missions, citing Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s statement to Parliament. The new patrols are described as defensive counterair operations. Streeting said British aircraft would not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis. The Ministry of Defence said the missions would support protection of Saudi airspace from aerial attacks. The announcement...