Would Be Worst Case Scenario

With the Summer Olympics fast approaching for the city of London, England and other venues in the southeast of England, the Royal Air Force says it will be prepared to use deadly force if the situation demands it. A series of airspace restrictions will be in effect during the Games to protect the capital and the southeast region. The Olympic Games begin July 27, 2012.

According to reports from the French news service AFP, light aircraft, gliders and hot air balloons will be expected to observe the restrictions but commercial aircraft will be largely unaffected. The restricted zone includes a small area covering central London and the Olympic Park while a much larger zone covers the other varied Olympic venues spread throughout the southeast region of the country. The restrictions began Friday, July 20 and continue through August, 15, 2012.

Patroling the skies will be Typhoon jets and Puma helicopters bristling with armed snipers. Their orders are to intercept any aircraft that ventures where it should not be.

"As a last resort, we will have lethal force as an option," said Air Vice-Marshal Stuart Atha, the Olympics air security commander, at a briefing at the RAF Northolt base in west London.
He said such any decision would be made at "the highest level of government" and would be the "worst-case scenario".

Other defensive measures such as missiles and Royal Navy Sea King helicopters can be brought into play if needed. Aviation authorities have conducted England’s most exhaustive pilot education program ever to ensure the restrictions are understood, the RAF says.

FMI: www.london2012.com, www.raf.mod.uk