RAF Typhoon fighter jets have shot down an uncrewed aerial system and intercepted a drone during overnight defensive operations in the Middle East, according to the Ministry of Defence.
In an update released on 9 March, the MOD said Typhoon aircraft engaged an incoming uncrewed aerial system while operating in defence of Jordan. The same aircraft also intercepted a separate drone that was heading towards Bahrain.
“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 ministry said.
The interceptions took place as the UK expanded its defensive air operations across the region. British aircraft have begun flying defensive sorties in support of the United Arab Emirates as part of wider efforts to strengthen regional air defence.
To support the operations, the UK has deployed additional air operations specialists to the Gulf. These personnel are working to maintain an accurate air picture across the region and assist partner nations with airspace management.
The MOD also confirmed further aviation assets have been deployed to support operations from British bases in Cyprus. Additional Wildcat helicopters have arrived to assist with defensive tasks across the region. Meanwhile, a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter equipped with airborne surveillance capabilities has now arrived in theatre. The aircraft will strengthen the ability to detect and track airborne threats, including drones and missiles, as coalition partners continue defensive patrols.
Good to see we are not letting the Greeks and French do all the work
Also good to see Macron visiting the sailors on Cyprus, genuine leader behaviour right there
Never thought I would ever say anything positive about him
I assume we are still wasting AAM vs a Drone, which is a poor exchange rate financially and in airframe hours.
I read of the APKWS Rockets, they seem much more sensible.
Or even an Apache with it’s cannon.
You may have noticed BAES are doing APKWS trials on Typhoon. I am not sure if this is paid for by the MOD or it’s a BAES initiative? Either way, it will significantly enhance the Typhoon’s persistence against drone type threats.
Hi Davey.
Yes, i read of them, which prompted my post.
An UOR would be nice rather than waiting years, if that is feasible with these things?
Yes, UORs also work for putting weapons on to jets. In this case, the MOD covers a lot more of the risk compared to the platform/design authority. This is due to them accepting that will be a lot less trials to clear the full release envelope of the weapon/platform combination. Initially they’ll probably agree that all releases will be done at subsonic speeds with less than 3g loading. Which for Typhoon using APKWS on drones, that fly waypoint to waypoint without doing evasive manoeuvres, means it can be integrated to the jet much sooner. Where you can then plan further development integration to expand the release envelope.
Thank you.