RAF's Typhoon goes operational

The RAF's newest fast jet aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon, has become operational.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the new aircraft was now on readiness to respond to any aircraft acting suspiciously or intruding illegally into UK airspace.

Typhoon F2s took on their first operational duties on June 29 2007, when they assumed responsibility for the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) element of UK air defence in the southern part of the country at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Over the next nine months they will progressively replace Tornado F3s which have performed this duty for many years.

The first operational unit is Number 3 (Fighter) Squadron, which received its first Typhoon in March 2006 and is the lead squadron for developing RAF Typhoon air defence operations.

QRA procedures entail aircraft being held at continuous ground readiness, so that they can take off within minutes - without pre-warning - to protect the skies over the UK.

Defence Minister Lord Drayson said: "The Quick Reaction Alert provides a vital capability protecting the UK's airspace. Typhoon is the RAF's newest and most capable aircraft and is now providing a vital contribution to the security of the UK. As Minister for Defence Equipment and Support I am very pleased that Typhoon gives the RAF the next generation of capability which will remain a world-leading aircraft as it continues to be developed and exploited."

Chief of the Air Staff Glenn Torpy added: "The RAF has an established and well practised air defence capability and I am delighted that Typhoon is now taking on these operational duties. The Typhoon is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world and gives, for the first time in many years, the RAF a world-beating multi-role capability that is an essential part of the UK's front-line."

RAF Coningsby has become the home of the Typhoon, its two operational squadrons - No 3(F) and XI Squadrons - together with the Operational Conversion Unit (No 29 Squadron) and the Operational Evaluation Unit (No 17 Squadron). With 3(F) Squadron now operational, the fourth Squadron, Number XI, is in the process of building up to full strength. This is the lead unit for Typhoon's ground attack function and is expected to be fully operational in both the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles during the course of 2008. All Typhoons will eventually be multi-role capable. Forty three Typhoons were delivered to RAF Coningsby at the end of June this year.

(KMcA/JM)