UK adds advisers and transport plane to Saudi defence mission amid rising Houthi attacks

UPDATE - follow-up to UK to deploy jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks: The UK has added military advisers and an RAF A400M transport aircraft to its support package for Saudi Arabia, alongside the previously announced Typhoon jets.

What Happened

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the advisers will help plan the movement of defence equipment inside Saudi territory, while the A400M will transport spare parts and other supplies needed for the air defence mission.

Reaction

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the extra assets strengthen the defensive role of the UK contribution and show Britain’s “responsibility to back allies and protect civilians”. He noted the recent missile strike on Riyadh’s international airport on 10 October, which killed 13 people and injured 308, as proof that the Houthis are escalating.

Background

The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities and energy sites after Saudi‑backed Yemeni forces killed more than 70 security personnel in Shabwa province. The conflict has already caused over 1,200 deaths across Yemen since early August, according to the Yemeni health ministry.

Context

The deployment follows earlier UK promises to provide air‑to‑air refuelling for Saudi jets, a service now extended by 90 days, and reflects ongoing regional tension over energy supplies and civilian safety.