RAF Tornado squadron saved from the scrap heap to bomb Isil

02 Oct 2014 By Matthew Holehouse, Political Correspondent, at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

David Cameron announces that No 2 squadron, comprising 16 Tornados, will no longer be disbanded in March as it will help with airstrikes in Iraq

AN RAF Tornado squadron that was due to be disbanded has been reprieved for a year in order to bomb Isil, David Cameron announced on Thursday night as he thanked British pilots for their bravery and sacrifice.

In a surprise visit to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, Mr Cameron said the public must "never forget" the risks taken British aircrews whose actions in Iraq "make Britain safer".

Two more Tornado GR4 jets have been dispatched to join six British planes taking part in bombing raids and reconnaissance missions over Iraq under Operation Shader, Mr Cameron said.

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