British military weaponry available if strikes against Syria go ahead

If the UK does back Us-led strikes in Syria, what British hardware and weaponry would be at the military’s disposal? TORNADO GR4: The Tornado has been carrying out air strikes in Syria and Iraq over the past few years, and is a likely option if allied strikes against the Assad regime go ahead. The main Tornado squadrons are based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, which will become the new home of the cutting-edge of the F-35 Lightning stealth fighter jets.

There are currently six of the jets based at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, a location some 315 miles (510km) from Syria. EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON: With a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, the Eurofighter Typhoon was first deployed in combat in Libya in 2011, and is also the jet used for Britain’s Quick Reaction Alert squadrons based at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, 0 The Tornado has been carrying out airstrikes in Syria and RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, with a presence also in the Falkland Islands. There are currently eight of the jets based at RAF Akrotiri. SUBMARINES: Another potential option could be to use Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from Royal Navy attack submarines. British submarines have been equipped with the missiles since the late 1990s. The Tomahawk IV has a range of well over 1,000 miles (1,610km) and can be redirected to a new target in mid-flight – it is known as a strike first weapon and could be a likely option for use in Syria as they

can be launched unalerted. Which weapons could be used? STORM SHADOW CRUISE MISSILES: Described as a “long-range deep-strike weapon” by MBDA systems, which produces the missile, the company says that it is “designed to meet the demanding requirements of pre-planned attacks against high-value targets”. PAVEWAY BOMBS: The RAF said Paveway IV “offers huge tactical flexibility”, and, as the impact angle and direction can be programmed from the cockpit, it gives a “precisely tailored strike on planned and unplanned targets”. BRIMSTONE: Noted as a “precision attack weapon” by MBDA, the company said Brimstone can be used to target fast-moving vehicles, tanks, armoured cars and bunkers, as well as naval vessels.