BREAKING: RAF jets launch first 'successful' strikes against Islamic State in Iraq

[k98nights]

BREAKING: RAF jets launch first 'successful' strikes against Islamic State in Iraq

RAF Tornados have launched their first successful airstrikes on two Islamic State targets in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

By: Levi Winchester

Published: Tue, September 30, 2014

airstrikes in Iraq RAF Tornados have launched their first attacks in Iraq [MOD]

Two "precision strikes" were aimed at an IS "heavy weapon position" and an "armed pick-up truck" in the first attacks since Parliament approved British military action last Friday.

The jets were on an "armed reconnaissance mission" at around 1pm when they were asked to assist Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in north-west Iraq who were under attack from IS, also known as ISIL.

After launching their airstrikes, the jets returned safely to their base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The MoD released the following statement: "Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 aircraft have been in action over Iraq today as part of the international coalition’s operations to support the democratic Iraqi Government in the fight against ISIL.

"In the course of an armed reconnaissance mission from RAF Akrotiri, two Tornados were tasked to assist Kurdish troops in north-west Iraq who were under attack from ISIL terrorists.

"On arriving overhead, the RAF patrol, using their Litening III targeting pod, identified an ISIL heavy weapon position which was engaging Kurdish ground forces.

"One Paveway IV guided bomb was used to attack the ISIL position.

http://bcove.me/cb5r4rw6

RAF airstrikes IraqThe Tornados were sent to north-Iraq to help Kurdish Peshmurga fighters [MoD]

MoD statement

"Following this engagement, the patrol identified an ISIL armed pick-up truck in the same area and conducted an attack on the vehicle using a Brimstone missile.

"An initial assessment indicates that both precision strikes were successful."

The RAF Tornados have been flying over Iraq for the past six weeks and began flying armed patrols after Parliament approved military action in Iraq last week.

MPs took part in a seven-hour debate last Friday which ended resulted in 524 to 43 votes for military intervention.

Michael Fallon, the UK defence secretary, said that the bombing patrols could last for several years - warning that we are at the start of a "long, drawn-out campaign".

In an interview with Parliament’s The House magazine he said: “We shouldn’t resile from direct military action if Isis is going to be defeated.

"This isn’t about containment.

"This is about the defeat of Isis.”

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/517214/RAF-jets-launch-first-successful-strikes-against-Islamic-State-in-Iraq?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-world-news+%28Daily+Express+%3A%3A+World+Feed%29

[Nelg]

Go RAF!  Search. Destroy. Survive!!

[stealthwarrior]

Dogs of war have spoken.

[SnowGlobe7]

[gymrat76541]

I do not understand why we are not sending out Cobra attack helicopters out of Kuwait to attach the terrorist?

 

They are stationed there & are available!

Edited September 30, 2014 by gymrat76541

[chess]

.....yay, KILL those MF's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..................GO BRITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tankdude]

I do not understand why we are not sending out Cobra attack helicopters out of Kuwait to attach the terrorist?

 

They are stationed there & are available!

Um....The USMC is the only one left using the Cobra - and not sure if they have any stationed in Kuwait.  Even if they did - they have a range of just over 300 miles, (About the same for the Apache) which puts them still about 200 miles short of Kirkuk.  I think that's why the US is relying on fixed wing support.  Greater range, so they don't have to put refuelrs on the ground inside of Iraq. 

[gymrat76541]

Um....The USMC is the only one left using the Cobra - and not sure if they have any stationed in Kuwait.  Even if they did - they have a range of just over 300 miles, (About the same for the Apache) which puts them still about 200 miles short of Kirkuk.  I think that's why the US is relying on fixed wing support.  Greater range, so they don't have to put refuelrs on the ground inside of Iraq. 

 

You are correct. Still thinking 1990's military. However did we not just read about US opening new bases inside Iraq? Sounds perfect for our implaced 13 thousand (Division Sized) troops to fly a flight of Apaches against the enemy!

[chess]

What is the range of our drones??

[bigwave]

What is the range of our drones??

They can also be categorised in terms of range/altitude and the following has been advanced as relevant at such industry events as ParcAberporth Unmanned Systems forum:

• Hand-held 2,000 ft (600 m) altitude, about 2 km range
• Close 5,000 ft (1,500 m) altitude, up to 10 km range

• NATO type 10,000 ft (3,000 m) altitude, up to 50 km range
• Tactical 18,000 ft (5,500 m) altitude, about 160 km range
• MALE (medium altitude, long endurance) up to 30,000 ft (9,000 m) and range over 200 km
• HALE (high altitude, long endurance) over 30,000 ft (9,100 m) and indefinite range
• HYPERSONIC high-speed, supersonic (Mach 1–5) or hypersonic (Mach 5+) 50,000 ft (15,200 m) or suborbital altitude, range over 200 km
• ORBITAL low earth orbit (Mach 25+)
• CIS Lunar Earth-Moon transfer
• CACGS Computer Assisted Carrier Guidance System for UAVs

The United States military employs a tier system for categorizing its UAVs.

[boosterbglee]

We are the most powerful nation in the world, regardless of the political process!    

[chess]

boost...you are right!!...as long as we are not self-stymied!!........

bigwave......THX!