The RAF has unveiled its latest weapon in the fight against Islamic State - a spy plane ready to gather intelligence on the extremists in Iraq and Syria.

The second of three Airseekers - bought from the US at a cost of £650m - was handed over at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and could be deployed within weeks.

Converted from a Boeing KC-135 tanker in Texas, the plane can carry out analysis on data gathered in the air and send the results to troops on the ground.

The first aircraft in the series started flying missions in July 2014 and is currently being used alongside other RAF units supporting operations against the jihadists in the Middle East.

The new plane has more than 60 improvements on its predecessor, ranging from upgrades to its mission systems to engine improvements that will improve fuel efficiency and durability.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "The delivery of the second Airseeker provides our Armed Forces with another vital intelligence aircraft that will give valuable support to our fight against enemies such as ISIL.

"With a defence budget that will rise in real terms over the next five years and a £163bn equipment plan, we are able to give our Armed Forces the best equipment to meet the growing and complex threats we face today."

(Sky News)