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25/08/2004
UK to deploy troops and aircraft to Afghanistan
The UK is deploying ground attack aircraft to Afghanistan for the first time in the current campaign, it has been announced today.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said that the RAF will deploy six RAF Harrier GR7 aircraft under coalition control to Kandahar, Afghanistan, for an initial period of nine months.
The deployment will involve around 315 members of the Army and the RAF, but that should eventually settle at a detachment of around 230 personnel. The first deployment - a mixed party of about thirty Royal Engineers from 53 Field Squadron (Airfield Support), Royal Engineers, and RAF personnel from 3 Squadron - will leave for Kandahar on 26 August.
The aircraft are expected to be in the country and operational in time to provide an air presence to assist ISAF's security support for the Afghan presidential elections on 9 October.
Mr Hoon said that the move confirmed the UK's commitment to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, and underpinned the government's support for the International Security Assistance Force.
He added: "The Royal Air Force crews will provide a highly capable and credible force which will contribute to improving the security environment in the region. This is another clear sign of the UK's long term commitment to achieving a stable and secure Afghanistan."
The deployment will be drawn from No 3 Squadron, RAF, part of the Joint Force Harrier, and based at RAF Cottesmore. It will include a temporary deployment of 53 Field Squadron (Airfield Support), Royal Engineers, based at Waterbeach, who will carry out some minor building work necessary to operate the Harriers from Kandahar airfield.
(gmcg)
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said that the RAF will deploy six RAF Harrier GR7 aircraft under coalition control to Kandahar, Afghanistan, for an initial period of nine months.
The deployment will involve around 315 members of the Army and the RAF, but that should eventually settle at a detachment of around 230 personnel. The first deployment - a mixed party of about thirty Royal Engineers from 53 Field Squadron (Airfield Support), Royal Engineers, and RAF personnel from 3 Squadron - will leave for Kandahar on 26 August.
The aircraft are expected to be in the country and operational in time to provide an air presence to assist ISAF's security support for the Afghan presidential elections on 9 October.
Mr Hoon said that the move confirmed the UK's commitment to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, and underpinned the government's support for the International Security Assistance Force.
He added: "The Royal Air Force crews will provide a highly capable and credible force which will contribute to improving the security environment in the region. This is another clear sign of the UK's long term commitment to achieving a stable and secure Afghanistan."
The deployment will be drawn from No 3 Squadron, RAF, part of the Joint Force Harrier, and based at RAF Cottesmore. It will include a temporary deployment of 53 Field Squadron (Airfield Support), Royal Engineers, based at Waterbeach, who will carry out some minor building work necessary to operate the Harriers from Kandahar airfield.
(gmcg)
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