Air troops join biggest UK force since Gulf War

Britain is sending a combat force of 127 aircraft - one third of the RAF - to the Middle East in its latest and most potent signal that war with Iraq is just weeks away.

The deployment will raise the strength of the British task force being sent to the region to 43,000, just 2,000 less than the level of the first Gulf War. The air contingent will consist of 100 fixed-wing jets, 27 helicopters and about 8,000 RAF personnel. The figures are likely to increase as British and American commanders work out their final battle plans.

Announcing the dispatch of the force, Geoff Hoon, the Secretary of State for Defence, gave the strongest hint yet that MPs will not be allowed to vote on taking part in military action in Iraq. He said it was "vitally important" to retain the element of surprise in any military operation, and it would not be sensible to warn Saddam Hussein of Britain's plans.

The Ministry of Defence announced yesterday that Air Marshal Brian Burridge will be in overall command of the task force, with Rear Admiral David Snelson, Major General Robin Brims and Air Vice-Marshal Glenn Torpy in charge of the sea, land and air contingents.

The cutting edge of the RAF force will be provided by 75 Tornado F-3, Tornado GR-4 and Harrier GR-7, fighters and fighter-bombers, using "smart" weapons including "enhanced" 450kg laser-guided Paveway bombs. They will be supported by Jaguar and Tornado reconnaissance aircraft, Hercules transporters and VC10s.

The MoD refused to disclose where the RAF contingent will be based, but negotiations are believed to be under way with Turkey to base some of the planes at Incirlik, from where British planes already operate patrols over the northern "no-fly" zone.


- INDEPENDENT