Riyadh has requested that France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt deploy air-defense support to protect critical infrastructure from escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks, according to a report by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk.
Riyadh has formally asked France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt to deploy air-defense systems and personnel to protect Saudi critical infrastructure against intensifying Houthi missile and drone strikes. The request, reported Sunday morning, underscores the growing threat from Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, which has launched repeated long-range attacks on Saudi territory and Red Sea shipping.
Saudi Arabia has been pursuing multi-layered international support to counter the Houthi arsenal. The Zioneer has previously reported Riyadh's efforts to activate the Mecca Defense Alliance with Pakistan and Turkey, as well as separate requests for British and Western assistance. The inclusion of France and Egypt in the latest appeal suggests a broadening of the coalition Saudi Arabia is seeking to assemble.
The Houthis, armed and funded by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have demonstrated the ability to strike deep into Saudi Arabia, hitting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in September 2026. Saudi air defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD batteries, have intercepted many projectiles, but the volume and sophistication of attacks continue to challenge defenses. The current request may accelerate the deployment of foreign air-defense assets to key sites.
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia Requests Activation of Mecca Defense Alliance After Riyadh Airport Strike
- StrongBritain agrees to provide defensive military aid to Saudi Arabia against Houthi strikes
- StrongPakistan demands Iran halt Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
- StrongBloomberg: Saudi Arabia requests UK diplomatic and military aid against Houthis
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