Nimrod ready for return

The RAF Nimrod MR2 fleet is ready to return to service in Afghanistan after urgent modifications to help the aging aircraft cope with hot conditions. Seven aircraft have now received new hot air ducts and fuel seals after the type was withdrawn from the Middle East in March. The modifications were called for to avoid a repetition of the tragic loss of a Nimrod over Afghanistan in 2006 after a fire. The replacement Nimrod MR4A is coming though, the training of personnel on the new type begins later this month. The RAF is disappointed though that defence cuts mean only 9 will be procured.