Another British weapons flight takes off to help Ukraine steamroller Russian forces
ANOTHER British weapons flight has taken off to help Ukraine steamroller Russian forces — and a Sun on Sunday reporting team was on board.
The C-17 Globemaster aircraft — heading to a top secret location — was filled with lethal aid to boost Volodymyr Zelensky’s deadly push back against Vladimir Putin.
The weapons and explosives included 62 Brimstone missiles — the laser-guided precision rockets have a range of up to 25km and can target fast-moving vehicles and swarming drones.
Squadron leader Shepperd, 37, said: “We all feel the importance of these flights.
“We realise the security of Europe is at stake.
“We’re watching the news, we’re seeing how quickly the situation is changing in Ukraine and we know we’re part of the UK’s contribution.”
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Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Searle, 32, said: “I think it’s delivering vital aid, whether that be humanitarian or lethal, that has an instant impact.
“The impact it’s going to have and knowing that you’re contributing is amazing.
“I’m a fairly new pilot. This is my first operational role.
“It’s a goal you work to your whole life so to actually achieve that and be working in an operational environment straight away is incredible.”
Also on the flight, which left RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, on Friday evening, were small arms and vehicle parts.
Just a few weeks ago the plane, with the registration number ZZ177, transported the Queen’s coffin from Edinburgh to London's RAF Northolt.
It has also played a role in rescuing hundreds of refugees fleeing the Taliban in Kabul, Afghanistan in August 2021.
During an operation codenamed Scorpius, more than 100 flights have been completed by the RAF since the war was declared in February.
And so far the UK has committed £2.3billion in military aid to the war-torn country
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Some of the support includes more than 10,000 anti-tank missiles, multiple launch rocket systems and 200 armoured vehicles.
Ukraine has also received medical equipment and 20,000 sets of winter clothing.