This is an extract from some of Sharkey's contribution to the Select Committee Report on the Integrated Review:
- Although the GR1/4 has been deployed in small numbers for combat operations over Iraq, Bosnia, Libya, Afghanistan and Syria, its track record has been less than remarkable – predominately achieving the destruction of pick-up trucks, mud huts and small groups of Jihadi fighters.
- In Iraq, Desert Storm, eight aircraft were lost in quick succession but a formal inquiry found that only one of these was due to enemy action. The majority of the losses resulted from unfamiliarity with the JP 233 delivery profile (Number of combat losses incorrect; BOI reports misrepresented; only one aircraft carrying JP233 lost. Apart from that...)
- Tornado GR operations over Libya were conducted from UK, Italy and Cyprus with major tanker and logistic support at an estimated deployment cost of at least £1.4 billion. Effectiveness of ordnance delivered was limited. Storm Shadow deliveries suffered from misfires, guidance and warhead failures and were totally ineffective.
- Similar non-cost-effective Tornado operations were conducted over Syria at an estimated cost of £4 billion for the first three years: roughly £1 million for each Jihadi reported killed
- In Afghanistan, Tornado GR4 was significantly less effective than RN Fighter Wing and RAF Harrier squadrons that preceded it.
And,
Annex B: A List of Successful Combat Operations Associated with Each Group of Aircraft
Type: Tornado F1/F3 [sic]:
Combat Achievement: None
Type: Tornado GR1/GR4.
Combat Achievement: Iraq – Desert Storm. Eight aircraft lost with little return; Kosovo.Close Air Support of allied forces when weather permitted land-based flying; Libya, Afghanistan, Syria.Expensive and ineffective
Type: Nimrod MPA/MRA
Combat Achievement: None
Type: Typhoon
Combat Achievement: None
(Fighter Escort for Tornados in Libya and Syria was against a non-existent air threat)
Having lit the blue touch paper, I shall now retire...