The UK Ministry of Defence stated that the support will take a “defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis”. This includes flying defensive counter-air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure, building on existing contributions like air defence equipment. The assistance will also extend to air-to-air refuelling for Saudi defensive air operations, including those aimed at degrading Houthi military targets in Yemen that threaten Saudi and Yemeni populations.