The British send their Reaper drones against the Islamic State in Iraq… or in Syria?
(BRUSSELS2) The British army will deploy “ in the Middle-East » "Male" drones (Medium altitude, long endurance) of the Reaper type to fight salary. the Islamic State (ISIL / EIIL), announced the British Ministry of Defense. Goal : provide additional means of information, s and support to reconnaissance, a priori without combat action.
Armed if necessary
But if operations typing are necessary, le Reaper to the capacity of complete the action of the Tornado of the RAF we add to the ministry. Indeed, in addition to surveillance, a Reaper can be armed and carry two 12 kg (250 lb) GBU500 type laser guided bombs or 4 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. « It is a valuable asset for the Iraqi government and the coalition allies to help to to counter the threat de HEAT et support our vital interests in the region ” underlines the Minister of Defense Michael fallon.
In the Middle-East
Comment: YIt may be noted that the term "Middle East" is used in preference to that of Iraq. Which could mean that the zone of action of these Reapers could include Syria or other countries... The Reapers will also be placed on a secret base.
First use outside Afghanistan
This is the first operational use of British Reapers outside Afghanistan. The British have 10 MQ9 (aka Reaper) machines served by the Royal Air Force's 13th Squadron (5 in service, 5 on order). Delivered in October 2007, they began their operational mission in March 2008. A "drone" unit is made up of 2 control stations and 4 aircraft (+ 1 in reserve). The Reaper is equipped with 2 "day" or "infrared" cameras, can last 24 hours in the air, fly at a maximum speed of 460 km / h and reach an altitude of 15.000 meters.
Training completed for a first peshmerga unit
Moreover, the first training program british forces Kurds in the northern iraq is over. 40 Peshmerga have just completed their one-week internship, intended to introduce them to the use of heavy machine guns data by United Kingdom in September. Training provided by the military of the 2nd Battalion from Yorkshire Regiment.
(NGV)