Britain will deploy a Royal Air Force Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft from its Akrotiri base in Cyprus to support Saudi Arabia's response to attacks by Yemen's Houthis, the British government announced.
London said the deployment follows a formal request from Riyadh for military assistance and is expected initially to last several weeks.
‘Purely defensive’
British Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the mission would be "purely defensive" in nature.
According to the British government, the refuelling aircraft will enable Saudi fighter jets to remain airborne for longer periods to intercept drones and missiles launched by the Houthis.
Britain stressed that the Voyager aircraft will not take part in offensive strikes against targets in Yemen and said the operation will be conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Attacks on Riyadh and energy facilities
The decision comes amid an escalation of Houthi drone and ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting Riyadh and energy infrastructure along the Red Sea coast.
Britain's Foreign Office has condemned the attacks, stating that Saudi Arabia and Yemen's internationally recognised government have the right to defend their security and sovereignty under international law.
London has also expressed concern over Houthi advances along the Red Sea coastline and around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.
In a recent address to the United Nations Security Council, Britain warned that developments in the area pose a direct threat to one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.
PM links deployment to energy security
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham linked the deployment directly to the protection of Britain's economic and energy interests.
Speaking to reporters while travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Burnham said Saudi Arabia was facing attacks and the risk of further disruption, stressing the importance of keeping critical energy and trade routes open.
Pollard said Britain's support was intended to prevent further escalation in the Red Sea, which could have additional consequences for fuel prices in Britain.
Source: CNA
