European commitments complicate Saudi air-defence aid, The National reports

Britain and France are struggling to provide Saudi Arabia with additional air-defence systems without weakening their forces in Europe, The National reported, citing defence sources. Riyadh is seeking more protection against Houthi attacks.

A British Sky Sabre battery is already deployed at King Fahd Air Base, the newspaper said. Sending more systems could require redeployment from Eastern Europe.

A British defence source told the newspaper there was little equipment left available to send. A diplomatic source said Saudi Arabia wanted Britain to play a greater role in defending the kingdom.

Saudi forces have reduced interceptor use from five to seven per incoming missile to two to conserve stocks, the newspaper reported.

The National identified a Type-45 destroyer in the southern Red Sea and Typhoon fighters in Saudi Arabia as possible British options.

Britain is expected to provide intelligence to monitor the Houthis, including information from satellites and listening facilities in Cyprus, according to The National.