Iraq deployment by the numbers

  • $500m

    The estimated cost per year of the deployment

  • 600

    The number of military personnel to be deployed, including 400 staff supporting air operations and 200 other personnel, including SAS troops

  • Eight

    Up to eight Super Hornet combat aircraft (F/A18) to be deployed

  • Four

    At least four support aircraft will be sent, including an E-7A Wedgetail early-warning and control plane and a KC-30A tanker for airborne refuelling. There is already at least one C-130J Hercules and one C-17A Globemaster operating from the UAE to deliver stores and military supplies