Harrier Gr9A to See Combat in Afghanistan

Released on Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Two Harrier GR9A aircraft have arrived in Afghanistan from the UK after a journey of more than 3,500 miles (5,600 km). Just under two hours later they were ready for action flying over UK ground forces combating the Taleban. The GR9A taxis off for its first operational sortie [Picture: ISAF] . Opens in a new window.

The two Harrier GR9As are replacing two of the current Harrier GR7A fleet in Afghanistan and over the coming year the Harrier detachment, operating from Kandahar Airfield, will move to a 100% Harrier GR9A fleet.

The upgraded Harriers flew from the home of the Joint Force Harrier (JFH) at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland and stopped over at Cyprus and the Middle East. They brought with them enhanced avionics that include a better navigation suite and more sophisticated weapon aiming systems, improving the ability of JFH pilots to support British and coalition troops on the ground.

On arrival 1 (F) Squadron engineers ensured the new aircraft were armed and declared 100% ready for tasking within the shortest possible time � despite having to deal with a GR7A Harrier 'scramble' half-way through the initial Harrier GR9A preparations.

The new arrivals came at the end of 1 (F) Squadron's first two weeks in theatre since last Spring.

One of the strengths of the Harrier is its versatility and this was demonstrated when on a recent day of thunderstorms and extremely low cloud a pair of Harrier GR7As were scrambled to support British soldiers in Helmand Province.

Under fire, the troops called for support and it came in the form of GPS (Global Positioning System) guided munitions through dense cloud and, equally significantly, 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs released from ultra low level in poor conditions. The Harrier is part of an agile and adaptable Air Force that, person for person, is second to none. It is able to provide a winning air power contribution to joint operations in support of the UK Defence Mission [Picture: ISAF] . Opens in a new window.

The arrival of the GR9As was a significant event for 1 (F) Squadron as, back in October 2005, the Squadron accepted the challenge of bringing the upgraded aircraft into service.

Sergeant Danny Ashwell commented:

"Being part of the first Joint Force Harrier Squadron to accept, trial, successfully prove and operate the GR9A in an operational theatre has given us a high degree of job satisfaction."

Squadron Leader Jason Shipley, the Senior Engineering Officer on 1 (F) Squadron, added:

"We have been preparing for this for the last 15 months. The introduction of the GR9A has not been achieved without encountering a few technical challenges. Not surprisingly, the aircraft's reliability and enhanced capability has resulted in the GR9A being universally declared as 'the weapon platform of choice' by all 1 (F) Squadron pilots."

Wing Commander Andy Lewis, Officer Commanding 1 (F) Squadron, flew the first operational mission. He said:

"The sortie went extremely smoothly. I am very proud of my team and their hard work over the past 15 months � they wholeheartedly deserved the opportunity to see the Harrier GR9A through from introduction to service to its first operational mission.

"Now this milestone has been reached 1 (F) Squadron is focussed on continuing to provide total support for troops on the ground and the new capability the Harrier GR9A offers will only enhance our ability to continually achieve this."