The deployment expands British support from air-to-air refueling to active aerial defense after recent strikes killed more than 12 people in Riyadh. Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorized the mission, which includes an Atlas A400M transport plane for logistics and accompanies a similar decision by Egypt to dispatch forces. A government spokesperson stated that the UK does not accept the risk of being drawn into the wider Saudi-Houthi war.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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UK Deploys 12 Squadron Typhoons in Shift to Saudi Air Defense
War9 hours ago
A fleet of royal fighter aircraft and accompanying military personnel is heading to the Middle East to shield the kingdom from escalating Houthi drone and missile strikes. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that assets from the RAF's 12 Squadron and dozens of advisers will conduct defensive counter-air missions to protect airports, cities and critical infrastructure. These forces are strictly prohibited from carrying out offensive strikes against the militants based in Yemen.
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