The United Kingdom announced Tuesday that it will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to help defend against escalating missile and drone attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group.

The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft will fly defensive counter-air missions to shield Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure. The jets will operate strictly in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the continuing attacks on the United Kingdom's ally are despicable. He highlighted the targeting of Riyadh's airport as evidence of the Houthis' efforts to escalate the situation in the region.

The deployment follows recent Houthi strikes on the Saudi capital and energy facilities along the coast. One attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorized the additional support after a request from the Saudi government. The move builds on existing British assistance that includes air defense equipment, personnel, and air-to-air refueling support for Saudi defensive operations.

The UK will also send an RAF A400M transport aircraft to move defense materiel within Saudi Arabia and deploy military advisers to support Saudi staff officers. Officials noted that the assistance helps protect energy supplies and regional stability amid threats from the Houthis.

Houthi attacks have intensified in recent weeks as part of the broader conflict in Yemen. The group has claimed responsibility for strikes that have disrupted infrastructure and posed risks to civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia.

British officials emphasized that the Typhoons will intercept threats in Saudi airspace without engaging in operations inside Yemen.