The Weapons Britain Could Use Against IS

RAF Tornado GR4's at RAF Akrotiri Cyprus being armed with the Paveway IV Laser Guided Bomb. Pic: MoD.
MPs are expected to approve airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria in a vote on Wednesday.
If the green light is given, military action could begin within days.
But what sort of weapons are at Britain's disposal?
:: Brimstone missiles
RAF Tornado GR4
An RAF Tornado GR4 equipped with Brimstone missiles
A rocket-propelled, radar guided weapon that could be used to hit smaller targets - such as vehicles at long range.
A tandem charge warhead is detonated upon impact to ensure penetration of armour.
Parts of the RAF are already equipped to fly with the missiles and they were used when Tornado fighter-bombers carried out airstrikes on IS targets in Iraq.
:: Paveway IV bombs
Tornado GR4 Prepares for Takeoff to Support UN Sanctioned No Fly Zone over Libya
The same aircraft, equipped with both Paveway bombs and Brimstone missiles
These laser-guided bombs have been used to attack key IS locations, including recently in northern Iraq.
The air-to-surface weapon offers improvements on older weapons, such as improved accuracy.
It does not need maintenance, has a higher resistance to GPS jamming and a lower cost.
:: Stormshadow missiles
Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 Aircraft from 617 Squadron with Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles
Another RAF Tornado GR4, with Stormshadow missiles
Described as "arguably the most advanced weapon of its kind in the world" by the RAF, the cruise missiles were used during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The long-range air-launched missiles feature an integrated GPS to navigate their way to targets at low level.
The RAF's Tornado GR4 can usually carry a handful of Paveway IV bombs or two Stormshadow "bunker busters", which could be dropped on IS buildings or compounds.
:: Tomahawk cruise missiles
Royal Navy Submarine HMS Astute Fires a Tomahawk Cruise Missile (TLAM) During Testing Near the USA
HMS Astute fires a Tomahawk cruise missile during testing
These would be launched from Royal Navy attack submarines, which have been equipped with the missiles since the late 1990s.
The missiles have a range of well over 1,000 miles and can be redirected to a new target whilst in the air.
They can also beam back images to the submarine.
:: Drones
Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System
A Royal Air Force Reaper drone at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan
Unmanned drones currently deployed in Afghanistan could be redirected to attack targets in Syria.
The UK has a number of Reaper drones, which can be used for reconnaissance and ground attack missions.
In October, David Cameron announced the Government would double the number of drones in the British fleet by buying 20 Protectors and scrapping the existing Reaper model.
However, the drones may just be used for surveillance, gathering information about key targets and IS strongholds, rather than carrying weapons.

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