RAF Typhoon jets carried out a joint air strike with French aircraft against a suspected Daesh facility in Syria, according to the Ministry of Defence.
According to an updated strike list published today, the strike took place on 3 January 2026, targeting an underground site located in mountainous terrain north of Palmyra, believed to have been used for storing weapons and explosives, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The operation formed part of ongoing RAF patrols aimed at preventing any resurgence of Daesh following its territorial defeat in 2019.
RAF Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to strike access tunnels leading into the underground facility.
The Ministry of Defence said the area was “devoid of any civilian habitation” and that there was “no indication of any risk having been posed to civilians.” Initial assessments indicate the target was successfully engaged, with all aircraft returning safely from the mission.
The aircraft
The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 is a highly agile, multi-role combat aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force. Originally developed as an air-to-air fighter, it has evolved into a versatile platform capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including air policing, peacekeeping, and high-intensity combat operations. The aircraft is routinely deployed on operations such as Baltic and Southern Air Policing, as well as combat missions over Iraq and Syria, and continues to support Quick Reaction Alert duties in both the UK and the Falkland Islands.
The Typhoon’s development from the earlier F Mk2 to the FGR4 standard reflects its transition into a fully multi-role platform. It features a modern cockpit with hands-on-throttle-and-stick controls, enabling the pilot to manage multiple systems efficiently during complex missions. The addition of helmet-mounted equipment and advanced avionics further enhances situational awareness and targeting capability, allowing the aircraft to operate effectively across a broad spectrum of air operations.
In terms of capability, the Typhoon FGR4 is equipped with a wide range of weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles. Air combat armament includes ASRAAM, AMRAAM, and Meteor missiles, supported by a 27mm Mauser cannon and advanced radar systems such as the Captor series. For strike missions, it can carry Paveway IV guided bombs, Brimstone missiles, and Storm Shadow cruise missiles, typically complemented by targeting pods for precision engagement in close air support and armed reconnaissance roles.
Powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, it can reach speeds in excess of Mach 2 at altitude and sustain supercruise at around Mach 1.5. It has a combat range suited to both air defence and strike missions, a service ceiling above 50,000 feet, and high manoeuvrability with g limits of +9. Its payload capacity exceeds 9,000 kg across multiple hardpoints, enabling flexible mission configurations supported by a comprehensive suite of sensors, defensive aids, and targeting systems.
