UK Air assets, controlled from the Combined Air and space Operations Centre based within the Middle East, have continued to provide a wide range of scaled effects to Coalition Forces across Afghanistan. The RIP is reaching a successful conclusion and is a reflection of the hard work and managed risks required to move over 20 000 troops over a short period of months.

Tornado

Number 14 Sqn continued to bed-in successfully; whilst there is a trend of a decrease in kinetics operations, the demand for CAS and armed ISR remains high. Shows of Force, whereby an aggressive posture is flown overhead insurgent locations, have continued to achieve the ground commanders’ intent of disrupting or denying insurgent attacks. Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone missiles have been used against moving vehicles targets positively identified as being operated by armed insurgents conducting hostile acts, these attacks have been very successful with nil collateral damage confirmed.

Hercules

The C-130J Hercules detached to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan to support Op HERRICK moved freight and about coalition troops in and around the theatre this week. Both 901 and 904 EAW’s Hercules have also helped to move personnel to their final destinations in theatre as part of the RIP.

Reaper

Reaper has successfully completed its planned missions in support of a broad spectrum of operations in RC(South) and RC(South West). When necessary kinetic events were authorized to support friendly ground forces who came under attack from enemy fire.

Nimrod R1

The Nimrod R1 of Number 51 (Reconnaissance) Squadron based in the Gulf continued to fly in support of coalition forces in Southern Afghanistan.

Sentinel

The Sentinel of Number 5 (Army Co-operation) Squadron flew missions in support of RC(South) and continued to provide dynamic Near Real Time reporting and also vital information for shaping future operations.

VC10

A VC10 of Number 101 Squadron, based in the Gulf, delivered nearly 150 tons of fuel during air-to-air operations. The aircraft refueled came from a wide range of coalition aircraft as well as those in direct support of Op HERRICK.

Editor: Sqn Ldr P R Lipscomb.

Photography: Sgt Corrine Buxton/RAF/MOD/Crown Copyright 2010.