UK Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) would be deployed to the Middle East to support current operations, the Defence Secretary told Parliament recently.
The deployment will see RPAS provide additional Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support to the Iraqi Government and coalition allies in support of our national interests and ongoing efforts to combat ISIL. Reaper operations are expected to start shortly.
This deployment complements the existing surveillance assets already in the region. These include eight Tornados fitted with Raptor pods – one of the most advanced reconnaissance sensors in the world – and Rivet Joint, an electronic surveillance aircraft.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "We have been clear that ISIL represents an enduring and fundamental threat not just to the security of the Middle East but also to the UK and beyond. The surveillance capability of Reaper will see it provide vital situational awareness, making it an invaluable asset to the Iraqi Government and the coalition allies in helping counter the threat from ISIL and supporting our vital interests in the area. If strike operations are required then Reaper has the ability to complement the sorties RAF Tornados have already completed.”
The deployment is the first operational use of UK Reaper outside of Afghanistan and its operations will begin shortly. Reaper is the UK’s only armed remotely-piloted aircraft. The policy for the use of remotely-piloted aircraft is the same as that for piloted aircraft, with the RAF pilots operating under strict UK Rules of Engagement.
The deployment of Reaper to the Middle East coincides with the conclusion of the first UK training programme for Kurdish forces in Northern Iraq. Forty members of the Peshmerga have been instructed on the use of heavy machine guns gifted by the UK last month, during a week-long course run by personnel from 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment. The training will allow the troops to pass on expertise to other Kurdish units.
Since the granting of parliamentary approval last month the UK has also conducted air strikes on multiple ISIL targets in northern Iraq, operating from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.