British fighter jets took to the skies to defend Israel, John Healey confirmed. (Image: Getty)
British fighter jets took to the skies to defend Israel but were not ordered to shoot down any Iranian missiles, John Healey confirmed.
The Defence Secretary said Tehran’s decision to fire ballistic missiles meant the British Typhoons were not required.
The Royal Navy Destroyer, HMS Duncan, did not fire any of her Sea Viper missiles, it is understood.
Around 700 additional Armed Forces personnel, as well as FCDO and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have travelled to Cyprus to support emergency evacuation plans.
Mr Healey, who was in Cyprus to visit military personnel, said British forces had “played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation” on Tuesday, later adding that RAF jets were ready to engage with Iranian targets but “didn’t need to do so”.
He added: “The situation across the Middle East is extremely serious and de-escalation remains our focus. We continue to call for a ceasefire in Lebanon, where the safety of British nationals is our highest priority and it is critical that any who remain in Lebanon leave immediately.
“Here in Cyprus, the preparations and plans are in place. I’ve been briefed on the ground by UK personnel who are ready to act at short notice. And I thanked them for their commitment and professionalism.
“We continue to coordinate closely with Allies and partners as the situation grows more serious. Our government continues to urge a diplomatic solution to prevent wider regional escalation and further loss of life.”
In April RAF Typhoon jets based in Cyprus shot down Iranian drones but they are not equipped to track and shoot down ballistic missiles.
Healey said RAF Typhoons were in the air when Iran began its attack on Tuesday night, saying it was “part of the wider effort to prevent further escalation and to show the UK steadfast support for ‘s right to self defence and to security.”
When asked why the Typhoons did not engage with targets, he said it was because the nature of the attack was different compared with April and that ‘s own defence dealt with the “massive attack”.