Typhoon jet shoots down drone of Syria

[Gary]

engagement conducted by a British Typhoon jet and also the first RAF air-to-air missile firing during Operation SHADER.

A British Typhoon jet has shot down a hostile drone over Syria after the aircraft was deemed to “pose a threat to Coalition forces in the area”.

According to a Ministry of Defence news release:

“This unprecedented event was the first operational air-to-air engagement conducted by an RAF Typhoon, and also the first RAF air-to-air missile firing during Operation SHADER – the UK’s contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was quoted as saying:

“This strike is an impressive demonstration of the RAF’s ability to take out hostile targets in the air which pose a threat to our forces. We continue to do everything we can alongside our Coalition partners to stamp out the terrorist threat and protect our personnel and our partners.”

The Ministry of Defence say that the engagement took place when drone activity was detected above the At Tanf Coalition base in Syria.

“As the drone continued on its track, it became clear it posed a threat to Coalition forces. RAF Typhoons conducting routine patrols in the area were tasked to investigate. Despite the small size of the drone making it a very challenging target, it was successfully shot down using an Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) and the threat eliminated – a tribute to the skill and professionalism of Royal Air Force pilots.”

The engagement took place on the 14th of December.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british ... ver-syria/

[C24]

It seems to be a very expensive solution to a drone threat. Of course I am totally unaware of the circumstances

Stay safe. 🛰

[DavieB]

"..an impressive demonstration"? So basically just like a day out against an aerial target at Aberporth or the Hebs then?

[TonyO]

Very cool, hopefully we see a kill marking on the jet when it returns. Positive news for ASRAAM too.

[reheat module]

It seems to be a very expensive solution to a drone threat. Of course I am totally unaware of the circumstances

Stay safe. 🛰

I think the response to this is covered by the statement within the second sentence where is was deemed 'to pose a threat to Coalition forces.' If I was one of the troops on the ground, I'd be happy for that event, regardless of cost.

[willow70]

Will the RAF call this its first kill since 1948 or do drones not count. (I know the F4 v Jag incident but shooting your own side down is just silly)

[lowlevelRAF]

It seems to be a very expensive solution to a drone threat. Of course I am totally unaware of the circumstances

Stay safe. 🛰

I think the response to this is covered by the statement within the second sentence where is was deemed 'to pose a threat to Coalition forces.' If I was one of the troops on the ground, I'd be happy for that event, regardless of cost.

Plus with the situation described, better to be accurate with using an ASRAAM, instead of using the gun where stray rounds could cause implications on the ground.

[Vulture 01]

Give credit where it's due. What about the size of the drone?
It was probably a lot smaller than an aircraft, with a low IR signature, making it a difficult target for the aircraft and missile to detect and lock on to.
Zapping a drone with a missile probably gave a better probability of kill than gunning it.

Just the ramblings of an aging spotter!

[The88tench]

I didn't think the RAF Typhoons carried gun ammo, and it's just kept there to not mess with the weight distribution of the Jet. 1st RAF air to air kill since 1982 as well I believe

[Agent K]

I didn't think the RAF Typhoons carried gun ammo, and it's just kept there to not mess with the weight distribution of the Jet. 1st RAF air to air kill since 1982 as well I believe

The RAF Typhoons are equipped with cannon, and have used it in combat previously.

[Nighthawke]

1st RAF air to air kill since 1982 as well I believe

I was surprised that the last was 1948 but having browsed a bit the Falklands shoot-down involved an RN Sea Harrier flown by RAF pilot. Maybe someone can confirm or correct this?

[lowlevelRAF]

1st RAF air to air kill since 1982 as well I believe

I was surprised that the last was 1948 but having browsed a bit the Falklands shoot-down involved an RN Sea Harrier flown by RAF pilot. Maybe someone can confirm or correct this?

I believe that is correct, RN Aircraft, RAF pilot.

[The Phantom]

David Morgan was with the RAF on Harrier GR3's and then attached to the RN when the Falklands War started and went on to have the most kills in the war.

[Gordyflyer]

David Morgan is Mogwi on PPRuNe and posts some good stuff.

[Snoop 95]

RAF Harrier GR3's were involved in the Falklands conflict, but Wiki is not clear whether they downed any of the Argentine aircraft, although it does say that they flew 126 sorties which would have been against ground targets.

[Vulture 01]

If you read any of the histories on the Falklands they will clear up the point about 'which Harrier did what role'.
RAF GR3's were originally sent out as potential attrition replacements for the RN FRS 1 Sea Harriers. On scene they were not needed as such and took over ground attack from the SHARS. During ground attacks they destroyed several helicopters and (I think) Pucaras. They also did the first operational laser guided bombing missions.
The books by Jerry Pook, David Morgan and Alfred Price/Jeff Ethell are most enlightening.

[22A]

Will the RAF call this its first kill since 1948

During the first Gulf War a RAF Tornado plastered an Iraqi runway just as a MiG was taking off. The crew claimed that counted as an air - air victory and wanted the kill painted on the fuselage.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

1st RAF air to air kill since 1982 as well I believe

I was surprised that the last was 1948 but having browsed a bit the Falklands shoot-down involved an RN Sea Harrier flown by RAF pilot. Maybe someone can confirm or correct this?

I believe that is correct, RN Aircraft, RAF pilot.

So it's kind of half a kill RN half a kill RAF?

[Vulture 01]

22A,
They did paint a kill on the jet. It turned up at a couple of airshows just after GW 1, so pictures are out there. I would post mine but I'm not sure how to.....

[cat1]

Very cool, hopefully we see a kill marking on the jet when it returns. Positive news for ASRAAM too.

yes well worth spotting