News agencies are reporting that six Typhoon aircraft are being deployed to RAF Akrotiri on the island of Cyprus only 120 miles off the Syrian coast.
The British Ministry of Defense released the following statement on their website.
“As part of ongoing contingency planning, six RAF Typhoon interceptor fast jets are deploying this morning to Akrotiri in Cyprus.
This is a precautionary measure, specifically aimed at protecting UK interests and the defence of our Sovereign Base Areas at a time of heightened tension in the wider region. This is a movement of defensive assets operating in an air-to-air role only. They are not deploying to take part in any military action against Syria.
The Prime Minister has made clear no decision has been taken on the UK’s response to the situation in Syria and there will be a Commons vote before any direct military involvement.”
A new Voyager tanker aircraft left with four of the six Typhoons at just gone 09.00 AM (Local) and headed south, it’s not known whether the other two Typhoons were with this small formation or will be deploying separately.
It’s thought the Typhoons may have come from XI Squadron based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire although this hasn’t been confirmed.
Richard Clements for TheAviationist.com
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