World · 5 March 2026
Starmer announces 4 jets, 2 helicopters deploy to Mideast.
Keir Starmer announced four additional RAF Typhoon jets are joining Britain's squadron in Qatar to strengthen defensive operations. Two Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles will arrive in Cyprus on Friday, and the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is being deployed to the Mediterranean, expected within a week. RAF F-35B jets have already shot down drones over Jordan — the first time an RAF F-35 has destroyed a target in operations. Starmer confirmed the US is using British bases for defensive strikes.
Reported by Reuters / PA · How we write briefs