RNAS Culdrose is set to play a major role in combating a 9-11-style terror attack on the UK.

In the event of an airborne assault, similar to the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York six years ago, armed fighter jets would be sent to the Helston base ready for immediate take-off.

Culdrose is to take over the defence role from RAF St Mawgan when the Newquay base closes in the spring next year.

Both the Helston air station, and the MoD base at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, would play a crucial role in the defence of the South West, should a planned terror plot become known to British intelligence services.

In such an event, Tornado F3 and Typhoon jets would be stationed at both bases in preparation for an air strike.

A Culdrose spokesman said: "Following the decision to transfer RAF St Mawgan to care and maintenance, it has been decided that MoD Boscombe Down and RNAS Culdrose will be enabled to cover any threats to the South and South West airspaces by having available Quick Reaction Alert aircraft (QRA).

"QRA comprises armed Tornado F3 and Typhoon aircraft held at ground readiness for immediate take-off. QRA provides an airborne contribution to countering threats against the UK by terrorist organisations or individuals."

If a planned terror attack was discovered, aircraft would be sent to Culdrose from other UK bases and kept there for up to five days.

Work to prepare both stations for their new role is expected to be completed before RAF St Mawgan is sold.

The Culdrose spokesman said the Helston base would be designated as an "austere" facility, meaning that the fighters would not be kept under cover in a hangar. However, some work was necessary to provide facilities for the crews.

MoD bosses are stressing that the QRA force will not be based at the air stations, and that it is "extremely unlikely" they would be called into use.

An MoD spokesperson said: "The Quick Reaction Alert force of Tornado and Typhoon aircraft will now use RAF Boscombe and RNAS Culdrose in the extremely unlikely event that they need to be used to specifically check the south and south western airspace.

"They are not going to be stationed at these bases, but will fly from there if required."