The Ministry of Defence has announced that Royal Air Force planes were permitted entry into Palestinian airspace on February 18 and 19, 2026. Additionally, explosions were reported in Tehran on March 02, 2026.
In response to a written parliamentary inquiry from Zarah Sultana MP, Defence Minister Al Carns indicated that RAF aircraft were permitted to navigate through the relevant Flight Information Regions as part of standard diplomatic protocols. He mentioned that these aircraft received overflight authorization for the specified zones “under routine Diplomatic Flight Clearance procedures” and that the Ministry of Defence “also secured permission from the Palestinian Authority for overflight of Palestinian airspace.” Al Carns serves as the Minister for the Armed Forces.
RAF Aircraft Overflight Authorization
The minister stated that RAF aircraft flew over Israel and Palestine on the specified dates to carry out operations associated with Operation Shader. He remarked: “RAF aircraft flew over Israel and Palestine on 18 and 19 February 2026 to conduct missions tied to Operation Shader.” Additionally, the US and Israel conducted coordinated strikes on Iran over the weekend.
In a broader context, he stated, “The Palestinian Authority has granted the Ministry of Defence the authority to transit and overfly Palestinian airspace.” Britain aims to ‘neutralise’ threats from Iran.
Shader Operation
Recent Explosions in Tehran
The term Operation Shader refers to the United Kingdom’s involvement in the global effort against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. This initiative commenced in August 2014, when the RAF initiated air operations to assist Iraqi forces in response to the group’s swift territorial gains. The operation was subsequently expanded to include Syria. Al Carns is Britain’s Armed Forces Minister.
The operation has engaged various RAF aircraft, such as fast jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, and air-to-air refuelling tankers. Beyond strike operations, UK forces have conducted surveillance and reconnaissance missions, collecting intelligence and enhancing situational awareness for coalition allies.
Even though Daesh lost its self-proclaimed territory in 2019, operations have persisted, albeit in a diminished form. UK aircraft continue to carry out missions aimed at addressing lingering extremist threats and fostering regional stability.