Defence Secretary visits the Middle East as RAF Regiment gunners down more drones

Defence Secretary John Healey is in the Middle East to meet Gulf partners this week as the Iran war continues.

Mr Healey has previously visited Cyprus during the conflict in the aftermath of the drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. 

His visit comes after the news that RAF Regiment gunners, who were operating in a high-threat area, successfully downed multiple Iranian drones. 

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UK Typhoons and F-35 jets, together with Wildcat helicopters, have continued their defensive missions, including over Cyprus, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. 

UK pilots and aircrew have logged more than 1,200 flying hours during operations since the conflict began, the MOD said.