UK moves additional warplanes to the Mideast

The British government says it has moved “several additional” fighter jets and refuelling tankers to the region, following Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel.

In a statement on Sunday, the British government said the air assets will bolster the UK's existing operation against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq as well as intercepting “any airborne attacks within the range of our existing missions, as required”.

Asked by The Associated Press whether the additional jets have been transferred to the UK's air base in Cyprus, a spokesperson said a “number of aircraft” have been “temporarily moved” from Romania to bolster our existing footprint in the region. The official didn't disclose the exact location for “reasons of operational security”.

Israel said Sunday that 99 per cent of more than 300 drones and ballistic and cruise missiles Iran had launched were intercepted.