British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed on Monday that the United Kingdom will provide limited air-to-air refuelling support to Saudi Arabia as part of a defensive mission to counter attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. The agreement, described as time-limited and subject to review, follows a request from Saudi Arabia after renewed hostilities along its border with Yemen. Houthi forces have launched missile and drone strikes targeting Riyadh and other locations, and recently seized the port city of Mocha and Red Sea islands, raising concerns over regional stability and global shipping routes. The Royal Air Force will deploy a Voyager tanker to refuel Saudi aircraft operating in defence against drones and missiles, rather than supporting offensive operations. Burnham stated the support aims to protect British and regional interests by ensuring critical oil trade pathways remain open. The UK has maintained close military ties with Saudi Arabia for decades, including arms sales and recent deployments of air defence systems such as Sky Sabre. Officials emphasized the mission will begin in the coming days and remain under parliamentary oversight.