- Defence secretary Wes Streeting has approved the deployment of RAF Typhoon fighter jets to fly defensive counter-air missions aimed at protecting Saudi Arabian cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi rebel attacks.
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the military package will also include military advisers and an Atlas A400M transport aircraft, with UK forces operating strictly in a defensive capacity rather than conducting offensive strikes against Houthi targets.
- The military intervention follows a devastating Houthi missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that left at least 13 people dead and over 300 injured, forming part of a broader wave of attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure.
- Prime minister Andy Burnham previously authorised a Voyager aircraft to provide air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets, confirming to Parliament that 14 operational missions had already been completed following discussions with president Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly.
- Downing Street insisted the deployment does not mean the UK is being drawn deeper into conflict, maintaining that the support is proportionate, focused on defending an ally and protecting British economic and security interests while encouraging a diplomatic resolution.
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