UK military support to Saudi Arabia: RAF Typhoon defensive counter-air missions
On 20 October 2026 the MOD announced that RAF Typhoons will fly defensive counter-air missions to help protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from Houthi aerial attack. It also announced an RAF A400M to move defence materiel within Saudi Arabia, plus UK military advisers to support Saudi staff officers. The UK said the Typhoons will not carry out offensive strikes inside Yemen. The announcement does not give the number of aircraft or where they will be based. The start date is the date of the announcement, not a confirmed arrival date.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia
- When
- since 20 Oct 2026
- Units
- RAF Typhoon aircraft; RAF A400M
- With
- Saudi Arabia
- Last checked
- 4 Nov 2026
Sources
- Operational update 20 October – UK military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia GOV.UK (Ministry of Defence), 20 Oct 2026
- UK to deploy fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks CNN, 20 Oct 2026
