British Tornados over Syria are to fly in pairs with the RAF’s Typhoon jets amid growing concern over the possibility of accidental clashes with Russia, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

The arrangement allows the 35-year-old Tornado to benefit from Typhoon’s superior radar and air defence capability as Russian warplanes conduct heavy bombing operations in Syrian airspace.

“It gives a massive lift in situational awareness and sheer defensive and offensive performance,” said Jon Lake, an aviation expert.

“Anything taking off from RAF Akrotiri [in Cyprus] is going into a Russian missile engagement zone straight away, and Typhoon’s ability to protect itself and others is absolutely formidable.”

Tensions have skyrocketed since a Russian warplane was shot down by Turkey two weeks ago, leading to the deployment by Russia of sophisticated S-400 anti-aircraft missiles to its base in Latakia, on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.

The weapon has a range of 250 miles, meaning RAF aircraft are within range as soon as they take off.

Sources: MENA