Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed concerns during an interview airing Sunday about the potential for attacks by the Houthis and Americans in the Red Sea to escalate tensions in the region. This comes as the British Ministry of Defense confirmed its intention to develop its missile system to counter Houthi drones over the Red Sea.
Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia’s belief in the freedom of navigation and the necessity of its protection to maintain regional stability, calling for a reduction of tensions in the Red Sea. He warned of the dangers of escalating tensions, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia is focusing on calming the situation as much as possible.
In a statement at the Davos Forum held in Switzerland, the Saudi foreign minister highlighted that preventing escalation requires a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and finding a path to de-escalation through real engagement in the region. He called for a way forward that would enable the Palestinian Authority and allow for progress towards peace.
In recent days, the United States has launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen and has last week re-listed the Houthi group as a “terrorist organization”, following their attacks in the Red Sea against Israeli ships or those bound for Israel to support Palestinians and demand the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
UK to Upgrade Its Missiles
In a related development, Britain plans to modernize its naval defense missile system in the Red Sea, following its participation with the United States in downing drones and missiles launched by the Houthis this month.
The British Ministry of Defense announced an investment of £405 million ($514 million) to upgrade the missile system currently used by the Royal Navy to shoot down drones over the Red Sea. According to the ministry’s statement, the air defense system (Sea Viper) will be updated with missiles equipped with new warheads and software to enable it to counter ballistic missile threats. This system was utilized by the navy to shoot down an aerial threat for the first time in more than 30 years.
British Defense Minister Grant Shapps stated that the system upgrade is part of ensuring the safety of the United Kingdom, its allies, and partners amid what he described as “the deteriorating situations in the Middle East.”
