Britain is strengthening its military involvement in the region after agreeing to provide Saudi Arabia with aerial refuelling support to counter Houthi attacks, with reports indicating that a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus will be used for the mission.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that London had accepted an official request from Riyadh for military support, stressing that the assistance would be “defensive” and involve aerial refuelling for Saudi fighter aircraft.
Voyager expected to operate from Akrotiri
According to reports carried by British media, including the BBC, the mission is expected to begin within the coming days and involve a RAF Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft operating from RAF Akrotiri.
The deployment is expected to last for several weeks, although it will remain under continuous review.
The development once again highlights the operational role of the British Bases in Cyprus amid heightened military tensions in the Middle East.
Refuelling for air defence operations
London has stressed that the mission is not intended to support Saudi offensive strikes against the Houthis.
The British aircraft will provide fuel to Saudi aircraft involved in defending the kingdom against missile and drone attacks.
Burnham said the decision followed recommendations from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
Houthi escalation
The decision comes amid renewed escalation in Yemen and the Red Sea. The British government had already condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia on September 10, including attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure.
On September 15, the British delegation to the UN Security Council also said the Houthis had intensified their operations inside Yemen and attacks against Saudi Arabia, while seeking to consolidate control along the Red Sea coast and around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Sky Sabre already deployed
The new mission adds to Britain’s existing military presence aimed at strengthening Saudi air defences. Britain has already deployed the Sky Sabre air defence system to Saudi Arabia.
The RAF mobilisation carries additional significance for Cyprus, as RAF Akrotiri continues to serve as a key British operational hub for military missions in the Middle East.
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