Britain just sent fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia from the Houthis

Britain is sending RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

The mission? Defending the country from Houthi attacks.

Wes Streeting, Britain's Defence Secretary, announced it this morning.

And here's the thing. These jets are defensive only. The Ministry of Defence calls it counter-air missions, protecting Saudi cities and key infrastructure. No offensive strikes on the Houthis.

But it's not just jets.

Britain is also sending an RAF Atlas A400M transport aircraft and British military advisers. They'll work on the ground with Saudi forces.

So why now?

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport got hit twice, on 10 and 11 October. 13 people were killed. Around 309 more were hurt. The Houthis said they carried out the strikes.

And it wasn't a one-off. Since the start of October, that same airport has been targeted 20 times.

Now compare that to what Britain did last month.

In September, the UK sent extra defensive support to Saudi Arabia, including an RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft. No fighter jets though.

Today changes that.

And this isn't Britain's first move into the Gulf either. Back in March, Downing Street sent four Typhoons to the region for defensive cover against Iranian missiles. That joined four more Typhoons already stationed in Qatar.

So step by step, Britain's military footprint in the Gulf keeps growing.