Syria air strikes: What is the Brimstone missile and will it stop Isis?
Each missile costs an estimated £100,000 each
Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
The RAF Tornadoes that took off late on Wednesday - bound for the “operating area” - were likely equipped with Brimstone missiles, said to be capable of hitting a vehicle moving at a speeds of up to 70mph and each costing at least £100,000.
Reports say the laser-guided missile, produced for the RAF by MBDA, use a low-powered but highly focused explosive warhead. They can be launched from an aircraft up to seven miles away and from as high as 20,000 feet.
Reports say that Britain and Saudi Arabia are currently the only two countries that use the Brimstone.
The missile was used which was used against Colonel Gaddafi’s regime in Libya in 2011.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments