British Army troops could be deployed to bolster RAF base near Israel as Middle East conflict explodes and Iran threatens UK
Military chiefs could send Army troops to bolster a Royal Air Force base near Israel as tensions in the region escalate.
The potential move appears increasing likely tonight as Israel steps up its bombardment of Iran and assassinates two of the country's intelligence chiefs.
Iran and its proxy group in the Lebanon, Hezbollah, have threatened to escalate the conflict to include any countries offering support to Israel.
And Chancellor Rachel Reeves today opened the door to potential military action in support of Israel.
'We're sending in assets to protect ourselves and also potentially support our allies,' she said.
The Typhoon fleet at the UK's RAF Akrotiri on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, just over 250 miles from Israel, has been bolstered in recent days.
Senior officers are considering whether the base and the surrounding airspace require additional protection, particularly if the conflict continues to escalate.
In that scenario, military sources suggested troops from Royal Artillery units specialising in air defence would be readied for deployment.
16 Regiment (RA), which includes radar, surveillance and guided weapons specialists, is among those being considered, the Mail understands.
The regiment, which is part of the UK's 7 Air Defence Group, is equipped with LEAPP surveillance technology which identifies all friendly and hostile aircraft over a range of 75 miles.
It also has 'Giraffe' 360-degree radars which have 'vision' over the same range.
Any incoming Iranian or Hezbollah ordnance could be eliminated using Sky Sabre, a surface-to-air defensive weapon system.
Sky Sabre can fire up to 24 missiles simultaneously, effective against ballistic missiles and drones.
According to the British Army, Sky Sabre could direct missiles to home in on a target as small as a tennis ball travelling at twice the speed of sound.
The additional RAF Typhoon aircraft deploying to Cyprus would be used in a defensive capacity, specifically to intercept incoming enemy ordnance.
The jets could protect UK assets in the region, including RAF Akrotiri itself, or be part of Israel's panoply of defensive assets.
Ms Reeves told Sky News: 'We have, in the past, supported Israel when there have been missiles coming in. I'm not going to comment on what might happen in the future.
'But so far, we haven't been involved... I'm not going to rule anything out at this stage. It's a fast moving situation, a very volatile situation. But we don't want to see escalation.'
Since the conflict between Israel and Iran began on Friday, there has been no indication from Jerusalem that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to include the UK in any coalition against Iran.
Relations between the UK and Israel have soured in recent months after Britain joined the likes of France, Canada and Australia in condemning the country's continuing siege of Gaza.
While Israel informed the United States ahead of its strikes on Iran on Friday, and countries such as Germany, the UK did not receive prior warning.
Any sustained RAF campaign in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean could have a knock-on effect on the itinerary of the UK's Carrier Strike Group, including the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
The CSG requires support from RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft. These are essential for extending the range of the F-35B fighter jets operating from the carrier.
Should the Voyagers be required to support RAF missions in support of Israel, or to protect UK assets in the region, this would compromise the CSG, which in recent days has been exercising with the Indian Navy as part of Operation Highmast.
Iran has fired more than 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel since Friday. Many have penetrated the country's renowned Iron Dome defensive shield (pictured intercepting missiles fired from Iran over Tel Aviv, Israel, today)
Iran has fired more than 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel since Friday. Many have penetrated the country's renowned Iron Dome defensive shield. This has led to at least 13 civilian deaths.
So, Israel may be required to call on allies to protect its citizens. According to military sources, the United States is likely to plug these gaps.
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