New intelligence aircraft arrives, joins UK's RAF 7 months early

The UK Ministry of Defense said on Friday that the second signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to the Royal Air Force (RAF), seven months early to take part in operations against Daesh.

In a statement, the MOD said the specialist surveillance aircraft was handed over today at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and will be deployable on operations within a matter of weeks.

Since delivery of the first aircraft last year, over 60 improvements have been incorporated into the second aeroplane ranging from upgrades to the aircraft’s mission systems to engine improvements providing increased fuel efficiency and durability.

The first Airseeker commenced operations in July 2014 and is currently employed alongside other RAF units in the fight against Daesh supporting operations in Iraq and Syria.

In due course, it will undergo an upgrade programme to bring the aircraft in line with the improvements made on the second aircraft.

"The delivery of the second Airseeker provides our Armed Forces with another vital intelligence aircraft that will give valuable support to our fight against enemies such as ISIL," British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said in reference to Daesh terrorist group.

"With a Defense budget that will rise in real terms over the next five years and a £163 billion equipment plan, we are able to give our Armed Forces the best equipment to meet the growing and complex threats we face today."

Source: MENA