UK to refuel Saudi jets to help counter Houthi attacks

play Live Sign up Show navigation menu Navigation menu News Show more news sections Africa Asia US & Canada Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East Explained Sport Opinion Video More Show more sections Features Economy Human Rights Climate Crisis Investigations Interactives In Pictures Science & Technology Podcasts Travel Sponsored Content play Live Click here to search search Sign up News | Houthis UK to refuel Saudi jets to help counter Houthi attacks British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he has agreed to a request for ‘defensive’ air to air refueling of Saudi jets. x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info British Prime Minister Andy Burnham gives a speech during a reception at 10 Downing Street in London on Monday [Jonathan Brady/Pool via Reuters] By AFP , AP and Reuters Published On 22 Sep 2026 22 Sep 2026 The United Kingdom has agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia to help it repel attacks by Yemen’s Houthis , according to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Speaking to reporters as he flew to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday, Burnham said he had agreed that the Royal Air Force would provide air-to-air refuelling of Saudi planes. “We have received a request from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for military support, and on the advice of the defence secretary and the foreign secretary, last night I agreed to that request for defensive air-to-air refuelling,” he said. The agreement is “time-limited” and will be kept under review, he added.