Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved a deployment of Royal Air Force resources to assist Saudi Arabia in defending critical oil infrastructure against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces operating from Yemen. The militant group has launched sustained strikes using missiles and unmanned aircraft, prompting the UK to intervene with military backing to protect regional stability and energy security.

The RAF will provide air-to-air refuelling exclusively for Saudi and allied aircraft conducting defensive patrol operations, with no participation in offensive strikes against Houthi positions. Marking Burnham's first authorisation of direct military support, the deployment is anticipated to commence within days and may include support for intercepting incoming drone and missile threats targeting oil facilities.