The aircraft, bombs and missiles the UK could use against Isis in Syria

The British government has been steadily building up the number of RAF aircraft flying bombing missions over Iraq and surveillance operations over Syria. Eight Tornado aircraft based in Cyrpus will be reinforced by two more if, as expected, the Commons agrees to extend the bombing campaign to Syria. The Tornados are supported by Voyager refuelling tanker aircraft.

The ageing Tornados are equipped with laser-guided Paveway IV bombs. They can also fire more accurate Brimstone missiles, originally developed as an anti-tank weapon. The government describes the Brimstone as the most accurate weapon available that can be fired by aircraft and it has been praised by the French government. Brimstone missiles are conservatively estimated to cost £100,000 each; heavier Paveway IV bombs are estimated to cost £30,000 each, and Hellfire missiles £71,300 each.