UK to provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling support

September 22, 2026 at 02:00 AM1 min

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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that Britain will provide defensive air-to-air refuelling support to Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks on Riyadh and Red Sea energy sites. The support, involving a single RAF Voyager aircraft based in Cyprus, is expected to begin within days and last for weeks. The decision follows a Saudi request for military assistance amid escalating Houthi drone and missile strikes.

Key Facts

The UK will deploy a single RAF Voyager aircraft from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus for the refuelling mission.
The support is time-limited and likely to last for weeks in the first instance.
Houthi militants have claimed drone and ballistic missile attacks on Riyadh and Red Sea energy sites.
The Houthis recently seized the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, a gateway to the Red Sea.
Energy Minister Martin McCluskey told MPs last week that the UK was already providing air defence support to Saudi Arabia.

UK Military Support

Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed the UK will provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi Arabia in response to Houthi attacks. The operation will involve one RAF Voyager aircraft based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Government officials described the offer as time-limited, likely lasting for weeks initially. Burnham linked the decision to cost-of-living pressures and the need to keep shipping pathways open.

Houthi Attacks and Red Sea Security

Houthi militants in Yemen have claimed drone and ballistic missile attacks on Riyadh and energy sites on the Red Sea coast. The Houthis recently seized the port city of Mokha and Perim Island, a strategic gateway to the Red Sea. Shipping routes through the Red Sea are a vital artery of the world economy. Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK acted in self-defence following Houthi targeting of ships, including a Royal Navy warship.