The Royal Air Force may need to cut force structure to counter budget shortfalls. British Ministry of Defence officials tell Jane’s Defence Weekly that problems stem from funds diverted to air elements supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Jane’s reports that sources say proposed cuts include two squadrons of Tornado GR4 strike aircraft and delays in delivery of new Eurofighter Typhoons.
A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East are flying with fresh modifications as the Air Force looks to make the plane more versatile amid America’s ongoing blockade of Iranian ports and a tenuous ceasefire in the U.S. air war against Iran.