UK Troops with Air Defense Vehicles Deployed in Saudi Arabia to Counter Houthi Missile Attacks.

In a critical effort to reinforce security across the Middle East, the United Kingdom has deployed troops to Saudi Arabia, equipped with advanced air defense missile systems Stormer HVM to thwart potential drone and missile assaults by Houthi rebels. The deployment, revealed by the "Independent" on February 15, 2024, underscores Britain's commitment to safeguarding key Middle Eastern allies against escalating threats.
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Members of British Army 12 Regiment Royal Artillery fire the Starstreak High Velocity Missile from the Stormer vehicle platform during an anti-aircraft demonstration during Exercise Ramstein Legacy 2022 in Poland. (Picture source British MoD)

Approximately 50 British soldiers from the 12 Regiment Royal Artillery have been stationed at a military base near Riyadh and are also protecting several oil installations under a bilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of a coalition battling the Houthi forces in Yemen, aiming to stabilize the region and curb the rebels' advances.

The British forces are armed with the Starstreak High Velocity Missile (HVM) air defense system, renowned for its precision and speed, mounted on Stormer tracked armoured vehicles. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to enhance air defense capabilities in the face of persistent threats from the Houthi faction, which has attempted to extend its reach through missile attacks, including those aimed at Israel, although these were largely intercepted.

The Stormer High Velocity Missile (HVM) system is a cornerstone in modern air defense, engineered to intercept and destroy fast-moving aerial threats with unmatched precision. Mounted on the agile Stormer armored vehicle, this system deploys the advanced Starstreak missiles, which are specifically designed to engage and defeat aircraft at high speeds. The Starstreak missile stands out for its unique mechanism of releasing three dart-like submunitions, maximizing hit probability against targets. This capability is pivotal for countering various aerial threats, including helicopters, jets, and other high-speed air assets.

The Starstreak missile excels with its laser guidance system, enabling pinpoint accuracy in targeting after launch. It reaches hypersonic speeds of over Mach 3, making it one of the fastest missiles in the short-range air defense category. Additionally, the Starstreak boasts an impressive range of up to 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles) and can engage targets at altitudes up to 5,000 meters (approximately 16,404 feet), covering a broad spectrum of aerial threats. With the capacity to carry up to eight missiles ready for immediate action and additional missiles stored for quick reloading, the Stormer HVM system ensures sustained air defense capabilities. This extensive range and high operational ceiling make the Stormer HVM system a formidable asset in air defense strategies worldwide, effectively protecting critical assets and personnel against sophisticated aerial attacks.

This move by the UK follows the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian by the United States in December 2023, a multinational initiative designed to secure international shipping lanes and deter aggression in the Red Sea. More than 20 nations have joined this effort, reflecting a collective resolve to maintain stability and secure navigation in critical maritime corridors.

The Royal Navy's HMS Richmond recently joined the American-led operation, taking over from HMS Diamond, to patrol the Red Sea and ensure the safety of commercial shipping. Additionally, RAF Typhoon fighters have conducted operations against targets in Yemen from their base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, demonstrating the UK's proactive stance in the conflict.

Amidst ongoing tensions, Houthi leaders have threatened to escalate their maritime attacks, significantly impacting the global shipping industry by increasing the costs associated with rerouting vessels around Africa to avoid the Suez Canal. Western security officials have expressed concerns over the Houthis' intentions to widen the conflict, highlighting the importance of international collaboration to prevent further destabilization of the region.

Defense News February 2024