British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced Monday that the United Kingdom has agreed to provide defensive air-to-air refueling support to Saudi Arabia to help counter attacks from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.

Burnham said he approved the request last night on the advice of the defense secretary and foreign secretary. The support will involve one RAF Voyager aircraft and is described as time-limited, likely lasting several weeks, with the arrangement kept under review.

The move comes after the Houthis intensified missile and drone strikes on Saudi territory, including an attack targeting Riyadh on Saturday that was intercepted. The rebels have also advanced in Yemen, seizing the port city of Mokha and key Red Sea islands, which allows greater control over shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

UK officials emphasized that the refueling aid will support only defensive Saudi missions, such as intercepting incoming drones and missiles, rather than offensive strikes against the Houthis. The aircraft is expected to begin operations in the coming days, operating from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

This assistance builds on existing UK support, including the deployment earlier this year of the Sky Sabre air defense system to protect Saudi Arabia from Iranian missile threats amid the broader regional conflict that escalated with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Burnham highlighted the need to maintain open energy pathways and stabilize the region to ease pressures on global markets and the cost of living. Britain and Saudi Arabia maintain close military ties, with the UK serving as one of the kingdom's major arms suppliers.

The Houthis control significant portions of Yemen and have declared blockades on Saudi shipping while targeting energy infrastructure and vessels in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia requested support from several allies amid these renewed threats.

The agreement marks Burnham's first authorization of military support since taking office and reflects ongoing efforts to counter Iran-backed groups disrupting critical maritime routes that carry a substantial share of global trade and oil exports.