Epic Fury: RAF Typhoons sent to stop drones in Bahrain in latest move to shore up Arab allies
Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets have been sent to Bahrain to intercept drones, according to reports, in the UK's latest move to aid Arab allies.
One jet deployed to Qatar – there are two in total – has been shifted to Bahrain to track drones, the BBC reported.
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.
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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