British Typhoon jets continue patrols over Iraq

British Typhoon jets continue their patrols over Syria as part of the long-running Operation Shader.

Launched in 2014, Operation Shader was set up to support allied ground forces and conduct air strikes against identified terrorist targets.

Since the commencement of Operation Shader, the Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets have played an integral part in the UK’s efforts.

Over the years, these advanced multi-role combat aircraft have flown countless sorties, providing critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data, as well as engaging hostile targets when necessary. British military aircraft spent a combined 16,255 flying hours against Daesh in Iraq and Syria over the last year.

UK aircraft log 16k hours in one year of anti-ISIS ops

Last year, we reported that the Ministry of Defence had announced that the UK’s role in Iraq and Syria will evolve following the conclusion of the Global Coalition’s military mission against Daesh.

Over the next 12 months, the UK will transition into a bilateral security partnership with Iraq, however, future RAF strike operations remain under discussion as the UK transitions to the new bilateral relationship with Iraq. 

In a previous statement, the Ministry of Defence said, “We pay tribute to the professionalism of UK personnel who have played their part in the Global Coalition. Thanks to the bravery and effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga, and the coalition’s continued commitment, Daesh has been territorially defeated in Iraq. The ISF has enabled the restoration of critical services for communities and the rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas.”

The MOD also further clarified that “the UK will continue to support the security of Iraq, as the Global Coalition enters a new phase. The UK will work closely with our Iraqi partners to develop an enduring bilateral relationship during the coming months, as part of the transition to a new security and defence partnership with Iraq”.

The UK’s involvement in Operation Inherent Resolve has seen forces provide training and assistance to more than 111,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), including 21,000 Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, in areas such as counter-IED tactics, weapons maintenance, and medical training.

While the Global Coalition’s military mission will formally conclude over the next year, “the UK remains committed to developing a bilateral security relationship with Iraq, ensuring the long-term defeat of Daesh and the stability of the region,” the MOD reaffirmed.