RAF Typhoons support Jordanian armed forces in their fight against Islamic State

Royal Air Force Typhoons have provided air support to the Jordanian armed forces during a coalition operation to counter Islamic State (IS).

Operating from RAF Akrotiri, the Typhoons carried out armed reconnaissance patrols as part of Operation Shader, the UK's contribution to the wider Global Coalition Against Daesh mission, Daesh being an alternative name for IS. 

These missions, coordinated by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from the RAF Regiment – specialists responsible for directing combat aircraft to deliver close air support for ground forces – represent a key element of efforts to enhance regional stability and counter IS in Iraq and eastern Syria.

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Operations like this underscore the enduring UK-Jordan partnership and the high level of interoperability between the two forces.

The UK's contribution to defeating IS

In 2014, the Global Coalition Against Daesh was formed – consisting of 87 partners (82 governments and five member organisations) – with the goal of advising, assisting and enabling partner forces to secure defeat of the group and build lasting security cooperation.

During the last decade, the UK has played a leading role in Op Shader, a specific contribution to the US-led Op Inherent Resolve. 

As of 2024, under Op Shader, the RAF aircraft have struck some 1,400 targets during the last decade, and soldiers from the British Army have been deployed to Iraq to provide support, training and assistance to more than 111,000 members of the Iraqi Security Force.

A senior RAF officer, the Deputy Air Component Commander for the Middle East, said: "Our aviators are fully aware of the critical role they play in supporting our Jordanian allies as they carry out a difficult task in a challenging environment.

"Working side by side with our allies and partners in the region builds trust, understanding, and ensures we are ready to tackle any threat to regional stability.”

RAF aircraft will continue to conduct armed reconnaissance and strike patrols across the region as part of the UK's ongoing counterterrorism commitment under Operation Shader.