Coalition air ops - borrowing your partner's Air Force

[kevmusic]

Just came across this story:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20070626/tpl-uk-iraq-bombing-43a8d4f.html

Excuse this civvy's ignorance but is the RAF often called upon to operate in the US's patch? According to the "British military spokesman", <it was not unusual for British aircraft to be involved in operations outside southern Iraq> - well that's giving a lot away isn't it!!:rolleyes: But it surprises me that the RAF should be called in where a perfectly efficient air force already exists. Or have I been missing something? Indeed, do we ever call upon the Americans for help?

And NO! I am not trying to institute some kind of transatlantic willy-waving contest!

[Pontius Navigator]

Kev,

You said it, 'coalition'.

Depends who has got where doing capable of what. It has been going on for years even during the early days of the cold war.

[The Helpful Stacker]

Wasn't a Tonka involved in supporting US/Iraqi forces somewhere in Northern Iraq the other month when the high ranking government person they were escorting came under attack?

[OCCWMF]

All the coalition air forces services involved service all the AOs in Iraq to some extent.

[kevmusic]

Understood. Thanks chaps.