The Royal Air Force is to mount a defensive shield operation over Saudi Arabia to protect the Kingdom from missile attacks by Houthi rebels.
RAF sources confirmed the mission template this morning following weeks of airstrikes by the Iranian-backed group based in neighbouring Yemen.
British Typhoon fighter jets will shoot down Houthi missiles and attack drones aimed at Saudi cities, airports and energy infrastructure, including oil facilities.
There will not be offensive strikes, the Government has said.
Downing Street has insisted that defending Saudi Arabia is in the UK’s economic and security interests and that Britain is not being drawn into the conflict.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said today: ‘RAF Typhoon aircraft will conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia, helping to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical national infrastructure from Houthi attack.
‘These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.’
Operating with backing from Tehran, the Houthis are seeking to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s oil exports. The militants have also launched a series of deadly strikes on the country’s airports. One recent attack killed 13 people.
Saudi Arabia is a key regional ally of the UK, and British personnel are deployed to the country as military advisers.