An RAF Tornado takes off (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Paul Oldfield, Crown copyright] UK has decided to join the Anti-ISIL coaliti...
 |
| An RAF Tornado takes off (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Paul Oldfield, Crown copyright] |
UK has deployed six Tornado GR4 fighter-bomber jets to attack ISIL targets in Iraq, which were flown from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, following Parliamentary approval on 26 September.
UK has earlier deployed its Tornado GR4 and RC-135 Rivet Joint signal intelligence aircraft in intelligence gathering missions to support US air strikes and humanitarian missions since Aug 8.
Royal Air Force Tornados can be armed with dual-mode Brimstone missile, Storm Shadow cruise missile and Paveway IV laser guided bombs.
Earlier this week, US along with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan carried out air strikes against ISIL targets in Syria.
Earlier, France has also deployed 6 Dassault Rafale fighters permanently to a base in UAE along with a C135-FR tanker and an Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft.
Since August, the United States along with France have carried out more than 200 airstrikes against terrorist targets in Iraq.
