Story perspectives

Burnham Approves RAF Voyager Refueling Mission to Saudi Arabia

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 6:02 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved deploying an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
The Voyager will refuel Saudi fighter jets on defensive missions against Iran-backed Houthi attacks.
Deployment follows Riyadh’s request and advice from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the mission aims to keep Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb routes open, easing fuel-price pressure.

History

Historical Context

In 1991, during Operation Granby, Prime Minister John Major ordered twelve RAF Victor KC-1 tankers to Saudi Arabia, where they logged more than 5,000 flight hours and supplied about $1.5 billion of logistical support. Based at Jubail and backing over 2,000 coalition sorties, that air-refuelling effort set a precedent the RAF Voyager deployment now follows to protect Red Sea routes.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved deploying an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
The Voyager will refuel Saudi fighter jets on defensive missions against Iran-backed Houthi attacks.
Deployment follows Riyadh’s request and advice from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the mission aims to keep Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb routes open, easing fuel-price pressure.

1 / 2