UK Supports Saudi Defenses with Refueling Aircraft
The British Foreign Office announced that the United Kingdom, at the request of the Saudi government, has agreed to provide a Royal Air Force 'Voyager' aircraft for aerial refueling to support Saudi Arabia's defensive actions in support of the legitimate Yemeni government.
The ministry stated that this move is part of the current British military contribution to Saudi air defense, which includes sending an air defense system and British personnel to help protect against missile and drone attacks.
Britain has unequivocally condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, affirming that Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government have the right to self-defense.
It added that an escalation of tensions in the Gulf could have negative consequences for the United Kingdom, through price hikes, disruption of energy supplies, and increased costs for British companies.
It said that the Houthis pose a threat to the stability of the Middle East region, and that it is in the United Kingdom's economic and security interests that they do not succeed in their endeavor.
The British Foreign Office noted that Saudi Arabia and Yemen are established partners of the United Kingdom and play a vital role in the region's stability. It emphasized that protecting regional stability, vital trade and energy supplies, alongside encouraging a diplomatic settlement to the conflict in Yemen, are in the UK's interest.
Earlier, Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Procurement at the British Ministry of Defence, stated that Britain provides support to Riyadh because "in dangerous times, good friends stand together and there is a morality in being loyal to our allies."
In response to a question from Sky News about Britain's view of the Kingdom, the minister said that Saudi Arabia is "one of our closest international allies" and "a good friend... who supports the wider effort to help protect our economic security by keeping the oil and gas flowing from the region." Pollard added that all actions "will be compliant with international humanitarian law," noting that "British military assets are not used if there is any doubt about compliance with international humanitarian law."
Source: British Foreign Office
