British fighter jets have intercepted and destroyed hostile drones during overnight defensive operations in the Middle East, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
According to the ministry, Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the Royal Air Force engaged aerial threats while protecting regional allies as part of expanding UK air defence missions.
In an operational update released on 9 March, officials said RAF fighter jets had successfully destroyed an incoming uncrewed aerial system while defending Jordan.
The same aircraft also intercepted another drone that had been heading towards Bahrain.
The Ministry of Defence stated: “Overnight, RAF Typhoon jets successfully took out an uncrewed aerial system in defence of Jordan and successfully intercepted a drone that was heading in the direction of Bahrain.”
The interceptions come as the UK increases defensive air patrols across the region.
British aircraft have begun flying additional sorties to help protect United Arab Emirates airspace as part of wider coalition efforts to strengthen regional air defence.
To support the operations, the UK has also deployed additional air operations specialists to the Gulf. Their role is to maintain an accurate regional air picture and assist allied countries with airspace coordination.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that further aviation assets have also been sent to support missions operating from British bases in Cyprus.
Additional AgustaWestland Wildcat helicopters have arrived to assist with defensive tasks across the region.
Meanwhile, a AgustaWestland Merlin helicopter equipped with airborne surveillance systems has also been deployed. The aircraft will enhance the coalition’s ability to detect and track aerial threats, including drones and missiles, while defensive patrols continue.
The latest operations underline the growing importance of drone defence as tensions and military activity increase across the Middle East.
