RAF Typhoons now hunting for drones in the skies over Bahrain as Iran war rages
Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets have extended their action to Bahrain as the UK continues to support its allies in the Middle East.
Sir Keir Starmer said people were "really worried" about the impact of the Iran war and "want to see us doing all we can to de-escalate".
Downing Street said RAF jets had been patrolling the skies over Bahrain for Iranian drones in the first action over the country during the current conflict.
Typhoon jets patrol the skies over Bahrain
Speaking alongside Taoiseach Michael Martin during the UK-Ireland summit at Fota House in Cork, Sir Keir said: "Last night, RAF Typhoons extended their action to Bahrain."
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Overnight, UK jets flew air defence sorties in defence of Bahrain for the first time.
"This saw Typhoon jets patrolling the skies for Iranian drones heading towards Bahrain.
"British Typhoon and F-35 jets are now flying in defence of British people, bases and our partners, moving in Qatar, Cyprus, UAE, Jordan and Bahrain."
In the 14 days of the Iran war, officials in the Bahrain capital of Manama have said that the country has dealt with 190 drones and 114 missiles using its air defences.
Bahrain have also said that they need short-range air defence to combat the drone threat after an Iranian drone struck Bahrain's airport fuel storage tanks two nights ago.
It follows the news that the Defence Secretary confirmed autonomous mine-hunting systems are in the Middle East during a visit to the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood.
John Healey said he had been speaking to military planners about what else could be sent to support allies if needed.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Defence said that RAF Typhoon jets successfully intercepted a drone that was flying in the direction of Bahrain.
The Prime Minister said 67,000 British nationals have now returned home from the Middle East.
Some Britons stuck in Bahrain, where airspace remains closed, have made the journey overland to leave the region via Saudi Arabia.
RAF Typhoons
RAF Typhoon fighter jets are multi-role combat aircraft that can be deployed for several air operations, such as air policing, peacekeeping, and conflict.
The jet has been flown in multiple missions, like Operation Shader in Iraq and Syria, Op Azotize for Baltic Air Policing, and Libya's Op Ellamy, according to the RAF.
The aircraft has numerous weapon systems, including air-to-air weapons such as Meteor, AMRAAM, and ASRAAM; air-to-surface weapons such as Paveway IV, Brimstone 2, and Storm Shadow; and a Mauser 27mm.
The fighter jet, which has an 11m wingspan, can reach speeds of Mach 1.6.
There is a UK Naval Support Facility based in Bahrain, which was opened eight years ago, and is the main base in the Gulf for UK vessels.
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