RAF Typhoons and Voyager refueller used in defence of Israel from Iranian attack
Two RAF Typhoons and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker took part in the efforts to intercept the Iranian missiles targeted at Israel.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the aircraft had been present, but explained how "due to the nature of this attack, they did not engage any targets".
Nevertheless, the MOD said the aircraft "played an important part in wider deterrence and efforts to prevent further escalation".
The MOD's confirmation comes after the Defence Secretary John Healey said British forces "played their part" and the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he stood with Israel following an attack on the country by Iran.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News, Mr Healey said RAF personnel attached to the Typhoon jets based in Cyprus had been working 19-hour days in order to keep the aircraft in the air.
Mr Healey said he visited some of the RAF personnel who underlined "they know their job".
"They do their job day to day, but they are also ready to scramble at very short notice to put in, as some did, 19 hours a day to get planes in the air and to be ready to respond to the changing circumstances," he said.
Mr Healey earlier condemned Iran's attack on Israel and thanked personnel involved in the operation for their "courage and professionalism".
RAF Typhoons previously came to the aid of Israel's defence in April after Iran launched a drone and cruise missile barrage at the country, with the British fighter jets shooting down a number of drones.
The Israeli military said most of the missiles fired on Tuesday night were intercepted - some by US Navy destroyers - with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning Iran will face grave "consequences" for the attack.
Sir Keir said he was "deeply concerned that the region is on the brink" and again urged British nationals in Lebanon to leave amid escalating violence in the Middle East.
Britons fleeing Lebanon were set to board a UK Government-chartered flight to safety yesterday.
Last month, around 700 British troops were sent to Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation of Lebanon is required as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate.
Any more details relating to an evacuation or NEO (Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation) have yet to be announced.
Mr Healey spoke to BFBS Forces News as he met British troops in Cyprus preparing for the possibility of evacuating British citizens from Lebanon.
"We are ready to go if needed," he told BFBS Forces News. "But for now, our advice to any Brits in Lebanon has not changed – it's get out.
"And as a government, we are booking extra seats on the commercial flights that are leaving Beirut airport.
"Today is the first time we've got a specially chartered UK commercial flight available for those who want to leave and are ready to leave."
It is believed Iran launched the strikes in retaliation for the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.
Sir Keir said Iran has "menaced the Middle East for far too long" and called on the country to "stop these attacks".
This escalation in violence has arrived after Israel began a ground offensive in Lebanon, carrying out what it described as "limited, localised" operations.
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