Tonka delayed

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Now being carried by 9 Sqn-operated Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft deployed to Al Udeid air base in Qatar, the Brimstone has recently been equipped with a dual-mode seeker (DMS) that offers a laser guidance mode in place of its original millimetre-wave radar sensor. The work has been conducted under an urgent operational requirement deal to support British and coalition activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In addition to having a new precision guidance mode, the weapon's 50kg (110lb) launch weight will offer a low-collateral damage option to commanders in the battle against the Taliban. The Tornado GR4 force is also soon to receive Raytheon's 226kg Paveway IV laser/GPS-guided bomb, which entered use with UK Harriers in Afghanistan late last year.

PICTURES: MBDA's Brimstone missile makes RAF combat debut