Minister of State takes part in training flight at RAF Coningsby

Phillip Dunne MP seated in a Typhoon aircraft at RAF Coningsby, prior to a training flight on Thursday (May 19).

During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the ever increasing capability and potential of the world class multi-role Typhoon aircraft by taking part in a training sortie flown by the Coningsby Station Commander, Group Captain Jez Attridge.

The flight also allowed the Minister to enhance his understanding of current operations conducted by the Typhoon Force and the significant contribution it makes to our security.

Aircraft and personnel are currently supporting operations against Daesh in the Middle East whilst other elements are deployed to the Baltic as part of the NATO led Baltic Air Policing operation. The Typhoon Force also fulfils its enduring task of securing the UK skies by maintaining the Quick Reaction Alert capability at Coningsby, RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, and in the South Atlantic.

Whilst at Coningsby, the Minister met a range of personnel from across the station, to understand their role in supporting both Typhoon activity, and the work of No 8 Squadron. No 8 Squadron, who normally reside at RAF Waddington, are temporarily based at Coningsby with their Sentry E3D AWAC aircraft.

Mr Dunne said: “I am actively involved in helping keep the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon Force at the cutting edge of capability as we constantly strive to develop the aircraft to keep ahead of evolving threats.

“Joining a training sortie in a twin-seat Typhoon earlier today gave me a great insight into these capabilities.”