RAF Lossiemouth Tornado crew identified roadside bomb in Afghanistan

RAF Lossiemouth has released details on a successful mission undertaken by the crew of a 12(Bomber) Squadron Tornado during their recent duty in Afghanistan.

17 May 2011 09:00

An RAF Lossiemouth Tornado GR4 crew recently identified a deadly roadside bomb on a sortie overflying Farāh Province in western Afghanistan.

The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Rick Redgwell, and his Weapon Systems Officer were on a routine mission when they identified suspicious activity on the ground.

The crew had been in the air for around three hours providing armed overwatch and road route clearance for ground forces.

Using the Tornado GR4’s Litening III targeting and reconnaissance pod, the crew observed five individuals acting suspiciously by the roadside.

“It was clear from the very start that this was unusual and suspicious activity,” Flight Lieutenant Redgwell said.

A radio message was immediately sent by the aircrew to US Marine Corps troops operating in the area, warning of a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED), the deadliest threat against troops in Afghanistan.

Flight Lieutenant Redgwell added: “Dusk was approaching and the sun was just about to set, but thanks to the Tornado’s all weather, night and day capability, we could send excellent live video footage from the cockpit down to commanders on the ground.”

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, from the US Army’s 807 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron was directed to the location with information provided by the Tornado crew.

The Tornado remained in the air with the crew providing further armed overwatch and route clearance for the EOD team’s approach to the device.

Flight Lieutenant Redgwell said: “Surveying the ground, metre by metre, ensures safe passage and flank protection for the guys on the ground.”

On arrival, the EOD team confirmed that an IED had been placed on the roadside.

The device was quickly rendered safe by using a remote controlled bomb disposal robot.

The incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers faced by troops in Afghanistan.

Officer Commanding 12(Bomber) Squadron, Wing Commander Jim Frampton, said the squadron was attached to the 904 Expeditionary Air Wing, Kandahar Airfield at the time of the incident, and explained why the Tornado GR4 is such a vital asset against the IED battle.

He said: “The combination of dedicated and well-trained aircrews, plus the versatility of the Tornado GR4 platform, is ideal for the counter insurgency role.

“The Tornado can often detect the IED threat and also provide armed overwatch, protecting ground forces and directly engaging the enemy when necessary.”

Flight Lieutenant Redgwell added: “It’s extremely satisfying to know in real time that the IED is positively identified and rendered safe – and no longer an indiscriminate threat to civilians and coalition forces.”

Members of 12(Bomber) Squadron will be presented with their Operational Service Medals by Air Commodore M L Roberts at a ceremony at RAF Lossiemouth on Friday, May 20.

The squadron returned from their tour of duty in Afghanistan last month.