IN BRIEF

By Air: Eight GR4 Tornados based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus could be dispatched to fire Storm Shadow missiles at ground targets.

These missiles have a range of more than 150 miles, helping pilots to keep out of range of Syrian anti-air defences. The 2,900lb Storm Shadows use GPS systems and terrain-following equipment to fly low under radar to their targets.

Reaper MQ9 drones based in Kuwait but controlled by the RAF could be ordered to fire Hellfire missiles at Syrian military installations.

An RAF GR4 armed with Storm Shadow missiles.

By Sea: The Royal Navy could fire Tomahawk missiles from its nuclear-powered Trafalgar-class submarines, one of which is constantly on patrol in the region. The vessels, whose immediate location is kept secret, carry a large number of the cruise missiles, which are exceptionally accurate.

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