RAF Typhoon jets took out one drone heading to Jordan and intercepted another heading to Bahrain as UK deploys additional air operations experts to the Gulf
RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled overnight to protect two Middle Eastern nations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed. The aircraft destroyed an uncrewed aerial system targeting Jordan and intercepted a drone en route to Bahrain.
Extra air operations specialists have also been sent to the Gulf to maintain “an accurate air picture across the region” and support Britain’s allies with airspace management.
The MoD also confirmed that the RAF is now dispatching planes in defence of the UAE.
The MoD posted 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.
“The UK has begun conducting defensive air sorties in support of the United Arab Emirates”
Meanwhile, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters have been dispatched to Britain’s Cyprus bases to bolster defensive operations and identify aerial threats, reports the Express.
The MoD continued: “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.”
This comes after the MoD confirmed yesterday that a deadly drone fired from Iran was disrupted by British fighter jets. RAF Typhoons and F-35 jets successfully intervened and stopped the drone which had been headed towards Iraq.
Meanwhile, the UK has “temporarily” evacuated the dependents of embassy staff in the UAE “as a precautionary measure”, the Foreign Office announced.
The statement read: “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 has confirmed that the first US bomber landed at RAF Fairford on Friday, after the UK gave the US permission to use British bases for specific defensive operations.
He told MPs: “I can also confirm to the House that, having given the US the go ahead to use British bases for specific defensive operations into Iran last Sunday, the first US bomber landed at RAF Fairford on Friday”.
He reiterated that these missions are to destroy Iranian missiles at source and are in accordance with international law.