Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 April 2008
MoD Names RAF Men Killed In Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the two RAF men killed in Afghanistan at the weekend. Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingston, 23, of the Royal Air Force Regiment and Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, 51, of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment were killed in an explosion during a routine patrol near Kandahar Airfield on Sunday.
MoD Names RAF Men Killed In Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the two RAF men killed in Afghanistan at the weekend. Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingston, 23, of the Royal Air Force Regiment and Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, 51, of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment were killed in an explosion during a routine patrol near Kandahar Airfield on Sunday.
20 July 2007
Three RAF servicemen killed in Iraq
Three RAF servicemen have been killed during an attack on their base in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Two men from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and one man from 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary were killed in an indirect fire attack on the Contingency Operating Base in Basra, Iraq.
Three RAF servicemen killed in Iraq
Three RAF servicemen have been killed during an attack on their base in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Two men from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and one man from 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary were killed in an indirect fire attack on the Contingency Operating Base in Basra, Iraq.
13 February 2006
Royal Marines ready for Afghanistan
Royal Marines Commandos are making final preparations at their barracks in Devon before leaving for Afghanistan tomorrow.
Royal Marines ready for Afghanistan
Royal Marines Commandos are making final preparations at their barracks in Devon before leaving for Afghanistan tomorrow.
04 July 2003
RAF Lyneham set to close by 2012
RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire is to close by 2012 with the loss of almost 600 jobs at the transport and logistics support airfield. Under the rationalisation plan confirmed today by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) the squadrons based at RAF Lyneham will be transferred to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
RAF Lyneham set to close by 2012
RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire is to close by 2012 with the loss of almost 600 jobs at the transport and logistics support airfield. Under the rationalisation plan confirmed today by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) the squadrons based at RAF Lyneham will be transferred to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
01 March 2004
UN stabilising force to deploy to Haiti 'immediately'
A UN peacekeeping force will be dispatched "immediately" to the troubled Caribbean island of Haiti following the resignation and subsequent departure of its president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the Security Council has confirmed.
UN stabilising force to deploy to Haiti 'immediately'
A UN peacekeeping force will be dispatched "immediately" to the troubled Caribbean island of Haiti following the resignation and subsequent departure of its president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the Security Council has confirmed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
