From Craig Hoyle, Flightglobal:  The UK is to scale back its equipment contribution to NATO’s Operation Unified Protector campaign, but has said its decision will not reduce its current fast jet sortie rate over Libya. . . .

"The good progress made to date will allow us to bring home four Typhoon fast jets and three attack helicopters in the near future, without affecting our ability to continue enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 1973," said Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox.

Describing the UK’s support for the NATO mission as "unwavering", Fox said its operation "Ellamy" contribution will retain 16 Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, forward-based at Gioia del Colle, Italy, and two Army Air Corps Apaches. These will remain in-theatre "for as long as required". . . .

The Tornado force also continues to conduct long-range strike missions, launched from RAF Marham in the UK and using MBDA Storm Shadow cruise missiles.   (photo: Sgt. Pete Mobbs/Crown)

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