The Ministry of Defence has confirmed a number of drones have been shot down by the UK Armed Forces within the Center East the previous 24 hours amid rising tensions.
RAF fighter jet shoots down Iranian drone over Jordan
British F-35B warplanes have shot down a variety of drones over Jordan amid rising escalation within the Center East. This marks the primary time the Royal Air Pressure’s £88 million fifth-generation stealth fighter jets have destroyed a goal on operations.
The plane used Superior Quick Vary Air-to-Air Missiles, referred to as ASRAAM, to down the Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drones in a single day, the Categorical understands. It’s not clear what number of drones have been destroyed. The jets have been working over Jordanian airspace in defence of the nation because the RAF continues to fly defensive missions within the area.
RAF F-35B previous to collaborating in defensive operations throughout the Center East (Picture: MoD) The newest information from world wide Subscribe Invalid e mail
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An F-35B pictured flying from RAF Akrotiri on Monday (Picture: Getty)
It comes because the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed a number of drones have been shot down by the UK Armed Forces within the Center East the previous 24 hours, with plans to bolster Britain’s navy presence within the Mediterranean additionally introduced.
A British counter-drone unit destroyed drones in Iraqi airspace heading in the direction of coalition forces, whereas an RAF Hurricane working as a part of a joint UK-Qatar squadron shot down an Iranian one-way assault drone directed at Qatar on Monday.
Iran has fired retiliatory drone and missile assaults throughout the Gulf after US-Israeli strikes on Saturday which killed Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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UK F-35Bs have been stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus since early February amid the rising tensions within the Center East.
The bottom was hit by a drone on Sunday, sparking issues over how properly protected it’s from threats.
Sir Keir Starmer has now confirmed additonal belongings are being despatched to the world to guard Britsih navy personnel in Cyprus.
HMS Dragon, one of many Royal Navy’s six Sort 45 destroyers, will probably be joined by Wildcat helicopters outfitted with Martlet missiles which might wipe out drones.
The ship is designed for air defence and is provided with the Sea Viper anti-air missile system.
Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned: “We’re shifting rapidly to additional reinforce our defensive presence within the Jap Mediterranean.
“HMS Dragon brings world-class air defence functionality, and our Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter the rising drone menace.
“I’m deeply happy with the professionalism and bravado of our Armed Forces personnel who’ve in latest days, efficiently taken motion throughout the area to guard our allies and defend British pursuits.”
The households of service personnel have been moved away from RAF Akrotiri as a precaution following the drone incident.
There have been no casualties and harm to the bottom was described as “minimal”.
Sir Keir mentioned Akrotiri was struck earlier than he introduced he had given the US permission to make use of British bases for “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile websites.
US bombers will not be utilizing British bases in Cyprus to launch assaults on Iran, he additionally mentioned.
On Monday, a spokesperson for the Cypriot authorities mentioned two additional unmanned drones heading in the direction of RAF Akrotiri had been intercepted.
France can also be reportedly planning to maneuver air defence programs to Cyprus.
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