SAS sent to Gulf to rescue aircrew By Tim Butcher, Defence Correspondent

BRITISH Special Forces have been sent to the Gulf to prepare rescue operations for aircrew who might be shot down in any military action against Iraq.

Small numbers from both the SAS and Special Boat Squadron have been sent, and there are plans to deploy larger numbers from both units if the likelihood of military action increases.

Although they have a wide range of capabilities, including surveillance and target designation for laser-guided bombs, they are likely to focus mainly on preparing search-and-rescue operations.

The Navy has the nuclear submarine Spartan in the Gulf, and it is able to deploy and recover small parties of special forces. The force also has access to helicopters. The last time the SAS were involved in such an operation was last spring when a small unit rescued a party of British passport holders caught in civil unrest in Albania. British military planners continue to consider deployments of other ground troops following the announcement that America is increasing its force in Kuwait to about 4,500 soldiers.

For the time being, however, large numbers of troops such as the eight allied divisions sent to the region during the 1991 Gulf war are not deemed necessary. Britain sent about 500 Royal Marines from 45 Commando to Kuwait four years ago when Saddam Hussein massed troops including well-equipped Republican Guards on Iraq's border with Kuwait.

No such Iraqi troop movements have been seen by surveillance aircraft and a brigade strength of about 4,500 troops is believed to offer sufficient defence for the oil-rich state.

Officially, Britain has 50 soldiers in Kuwait, training the Kuwaiti army how to use the Warrior armoured troop carrier bought from Britain after the Gulf war. There are also 60 in Oman, 20 in Saudi Arabia and 10 in the United Arab Emirates.

© Copyright Telegraph Group Limited 1998