RAF Typhoon jets were deployed overnight to defend two Middle Eastern nations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said. The aircraft took out an uncrewed aerial system heading to Jordan and intercepted a drone heading to Bahrain. Additional air operations experts have also been deployed to the Gulf to ensure “an accurate air picture across the region” and assist Britain’s allies with airspace management.

The MoD wrote on X: “Overnight, RAF Typhoon jets successfully took out an uncrewed aerial system in defence of Jordan and successfully intercepted a drone that was heading in the direction of Bahrain. The UK has begun conducting defensive air sorties in support of the United Arab Emirates.

“To support defensive operations, the UK has deployed additional air operations experts to the Gulf – ensuring an accurate air picture across the region and assisting partners with airspace management.”

Elsewhere, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters have been deployed to Britain’s bases in Cyprus to support defensive operations and detect aerial threats.

The MoD added: “Further Wildcat helicopters have arrived at our bases in Cyprus to support defensive operations in the region. A Merlin helicopter has now arrived in theatre to further strengthen our ability to detect aerial threats.”

Meanwhile, the UK has “temporarily” withdrawn the dependents of embassy staff in the UAE “as a precautionary measure”, the Foreign Office said.

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It said: “Due to the ongoing security situation, as a precautionary measure we have decided to temporarily withdraw the dependents of British Embassy staff from the United Arab Emirates. Our embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate as normal.”

Defence Secretary John Healey said 37,000 British nationals have been evacuated since the start of the crisis in the Middle East, and “we will not stop until our people are safe”.

He said: “Three chartered flights have now taken off, with more to come this week. More than 170,000 people have registered their presence, which has allowed us to get them information and support and advice that they need.

“More than 37,000 British nationals have been evacuated since the start of the crisis response, and as the Prime Minister said last week, we will not stop until our people are safe.”