Britain deployed four Tornado GR4s which were launched from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus for the attack and loaded with 'bunker busting' Storm Shadow cruise missiles. With a maximum speed of Mach 1.3 and capable of carrying more than eight tonnes of weapons, the GR4 is the latest phase in the evolution of the Tornado – the RAF's strike aircraft of choice for the last three decades.
The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have sophisticated air defences so if the RAF Tornados flew directly over their target they would be in danger. Which is why they used their Storm Shadow cruise missiles, 'fire and forget' weapons which can be pre-programmed to hit their targets. The Americans deployed their B-1B Lancer bombers for the strike while France used Mirage and Rafale fighter jets.
UK:
The Royal Air Force used four Tornado GR4s to attack a base 15 miles west of Homs.
With a maximum speed of Mach 1.3 and capable of carrying more than eight tonnes of weapons, the GR4 is the latest phase in the evolution of the Tornado – the RAF's strike aircraft of choice for the last three decades.
The GR4s, which were launched from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, involved in the overnight attack were loaded with 'bunker busting' Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have sophisticated air defences so if the RAF Tornados flew directly over their target they would be in danger.
An RAF Tornado before taking off from RAF Akrotiri the to conduct strikes in support of operations over Syria
A Typhoon aircraft prepares for landing at Akrotiri. The aircraft was also deployed alongside the Tornados
With a maximum speed of Mach 1.3 and capable of carrying more than eight tonnes of weapons, the GR4 is the latest phase in the evolution of the Tornado – the RAF's strike aircraft of choice for the last three decades
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