The defence secretary, Michael Fallon, confirmed the RAF will deploy extra warplanes to the Middle East in the event of a Commons vote in favour of expanding airstrikes to Syria.
Although Fallon did not specify the type or numbers of planes, more Tornados will be sent to reinforce the eight based in Cyprus, which have been carrying out raids in Iraq. Typhoons will also be deployed.
RAF planes could in theory be in action against Islamic State targets in Syria within minutes of the vote. If jets were in the air over or on their way to Iraq, they could be diverted to a target in Syria.
Fallon, giving evidence to the Commons defence committee ahead of the vote on Wednesday, said “we will definitely be adding to” the existing force. Insisting no final decision had been made on numbers, he added: “We will be stepping up the number of sorties.”
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