British jets aided in defending Israel against Iranian missiles, defense secretary confirms
British Royal Air Force's Typhoon Eurofighter jets demonstrate the interception of a Belgian air force transport plane as they fly over Britain, January 14, 2020. (Reuters/Johanna Geron)
The U.K.’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that two Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refueling tanker participated in efforts to defend Israel from Iranian missile attacks.
The RAF operation took place on Tuesday, as part of the U.K.‘s initiative to defend Israel during its conflict in the Middle East.
No engagement with Iranian missiles
Though the RAF jets did not engage any targets, they played a key role in deterrence efforts aimed at reducing the potential for conflict. The U.K.’s newly appointed Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of these operations, reaffirming the U.K.’s commitment to Israel’s security.
“The presence of our Typhoons and the Voyager tanker demonstrates the UK’s unwavering support for Israel’s defense,” Healey stated. He also expressed gratitude to the RAF personnel involved in the mission.
Today, Healey visited the U.K.’s RAF Akrotiri base in Greek Cyprus, where he met with troops and further acknowledged their efforts in the Middle East.
