Showing posts with label RAF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RAF. Show all posts

14 March, 2024

U.S. approve full speed production of F-35 fighters.

The Pentagon has finally approved the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for full-rate production, five years later than originally anticipated reports Breaking Defense

The U.S. Defense Department acquisition chief Bill LaPlante signed off on the “milestone C” decision earlier this week, a crucial moment signifying the department’s confidence in the performance of the aircraft and maturity of Lockheed Martin’s production system — though the plane has already been in service in the US and with friendly foreign nations for years and has suffered a vast number of mechanical and practical issues that have resulted in an aircraft that is 80% fit for use, according to some RAF personnel working on the aircraft.   

“This is a major achievement for the F-35 Program,” LaPlante said, according to a Pentagon news release. “This decision — backed by my colleagues in the Department — highlights to the Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile, and that all statutory and regulatory requirements have been appropriately addressed.”


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13 March, 2024

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal opens UK facility on UAE air base

The Princess Royal toured the brand-new Headquarters, accommodation and welfare facilities at Al Minhad Air Base (AMAB) alongside the Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Support Operations), Air Vice-Marshal Pratley earlier this month. They were accompanied by Sir Hobart, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE, and Brigadier General Al Ketbi, AMAB Commander.

“I am delighted to attend the opening of Donnelly Lines, an essential part of the UK’s global footprint, and an example of our enduring presence overseas in what remains an uncertain world beset by turbulent times.

Our continued investment here is a further example of the UK’s commitment to the security of the region and is a tangible commitment to the work for peace, security, and stability, working hand in hand with our allies in the UAE.

The siting of Donnelly Lines at AMAB enables the UK to maintain our freedom of action and ability to conduct operations from the UAE, bolstering our operational resilience. It is of vital importance, and I recognise the hard work and stellar efforts of the team, who have, over several years, worked tirelessly around the clock to make this possible.”

Air Vice-Marshal Pratley
Project Senior Responsible Officer

A joint UAE Air Force Al Fursan and RAF A400M flypast honoured the opening ceremony which included a coalition parade and a commemoration to the late Sergeant Donnelly, whom the Lines are named after.

RAF Voyager operates with Swedish and US fighters over Scandinavia.

Royal Air Force Voyager tanker has successfully refuelled Swedish Gripen fighters taking part in NATO’s biggest exercise in decades.



The tanker was operating from RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland when it rendezvoused with the Swedish jets and United States Marine Corps F-35Bs, over the Arctic Circle.

Normally based at RAF Brize Norton, the Voyager flew sorties from Lossiemouth on Exercise Nordic Response, part of Exercise Steadfast Defender.

The Royal Air Force and Swedish Air Force have been increasing cooperation in recent months. This latest exercise saw dogfighting fighters refuel over Sweden, in the run-up to the country’s NATO accession. Steadfast Defender is demonstrating NATO’s ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area during a simulated emerging conflict across the maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains.







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Voyager is the RAF’s sole air-to-air refuelling (AAR) tanker and also operates as a strategic air transport.  The aircraft is in service as the Voyager KC.Mk 2, equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and as the Voyager KC.Mk 3, with an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft. 

27 February, 2024

Ukrainian pilots learn to fly F-16 Fighter jets following basic training in the UK

The first cohort of Ukrainian pilots to receive training from the Royal Air Force are now learning to fly F-16 fighter jets, having completed a basic programme of training in the UK. 


The RAF began delivering flying and English language training in August as part of the UK contribution to the international Air Capability Coalition for Ukraine, which will see allies and partners working together to bolster Ukraine’s air capabilities.


The group was formed of six experienced Ukrainian combat fighter pilots who received aviation-specific English language training to increase their ability to engage with coalition training and support.


A further ten Ukrainian trainee pilots took part in the language training but remain in the UK to continue with practical elementary flight training, as well as important skills such as aviation medicine and centrifuge training.

“Combined with training from the world-leading RAF, this is a significant step forward from Ukraine’s current Soviet-era capabilities."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, “I am proud of the support the Royal Air Force is providing to the next generation of Ukraine’s combat air pilots and ground crew, who will be the first line of defence in protecting Ukraine’s skies. The UK has been instrumental in building Ukraine’s air defences since Putin launched his full-scale invasion, providing hundreds of missiles and munitions, as well as radar and weapons systems.



Grant Shapps continued: "While Ukraine was highly vulnerable to attack from Russian aircraft, drones, and missiles in the early months of the invasion – with support from the UK and our allies, its Armed Forces are now able to intercept and destroy the overwhelming majority of incoming ordinance – protecting their civilian population and vital infrastructure.

Together we’re now going further by ensuring Ukraine has a credible air force in the future, formed around the highly capable fourth-generation F-16 fighter jet."

The programme is designed to give trainee pilots the skills required to advance to the next phase of training on fighter jets with partner nations and to bring future Ukrainian pilots closer to a NATO standard approach to flying.

These young students are highly motivated and very capable. It is a privilege to be part of the training programme for Ukraine.”

RAF Aviators begin Protector Technician course

RAF Aviators begin Protector Technician course
Aviators from 31 Squadron have commenced their Protector RG Mk 1 Technician training at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Desert Horizons facility in California, USA.


This is the second Protector Technician course for 31 Squadron personnel. It is run over 14 weeks and comprises academic and practical activity, taking Mechanical, Avionics and Weapons NCO technicians into a single technician trade.

This ensures they can maintain the innovative Protector RG Mk 1 Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS). On completion of their training, they'll become a vital part of Protector UK testing and evaluation, as part of the growing 31 Squadron – the first Protector squadron.

Squadron Leader Douglas, Senior Engineering Officer, 31 Squadron commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the team to develop through training with our partners in General Atomics. These cross-skilled technicians are at the spearhead of technical professions in the RAF. They will be integral to the introduction of a game-changing RPAS capability to UK Defence.”   

RAF Aviators begin Protector Technician course
Equipped with a suite of advanced equipment and precision strike weapons, Protector will provide critical armed surveillance capability and will be able to deploy against potential adversaries around the globe. The aircraft will also be able to fly in busy unsegregated airspace thanks to ‘detect and avoid’ technology with a potential endurance of over 30 hours.

The UK is investing in 16 Protector RG Mk 1 for the RAF. Capable of operating anywhere in the world, RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire will be the home of the Force, the site of launch and recovery to support domestic training, and command and control for overseas operations.











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Secretary of State for Defence visits RAF Valley

The Secretary of State for Defence visited RAF Valley recently to see the results of £775 million invested in state-of-the-art equipment to train the next generation of pilots.
The Secretary of State for Defence visited RAF Valley recently to see the results of £775 million invested in state-of-the-art equipment to train the next generation of pilots.  The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP met flying instructors, student pilots and Engineers from BAE, Babcock and Ascent, and as a keen pilot himself also flew the Hawk T2 simulator on a low-level flight.




“The sobering events taking place 1500 miles to the east of us, underscore the importance of RAF Valley’s work to both UK Defence and to our NATO Allies."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps





Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, "There is a real sense of purpose about this place, it is buzzing with activity and one quickly gains a sense that RAF Valley is fully connected to the front-line and committed to meeting future operational needs, in the form of producing first class, front-line fighter pilots of the highest quality, in the required quantity, and getting them where they are needed in a timely manner.

The new investments at Valley totalling £775 million - that are being directed into engineering support for Hawk and the new Texan training facility, will strengthen this endeavour. They also underline MoD and Government commitment to jobs and skills in North Wales; guaranteeing existing jobs and nurturing the next generation of Engineering apprentices - of which a great many are locally recruited.”

The Defence Secretary was visiting RAF Valley as part of a wider visit to North Wales. He was met by the RAF Head of Flying Training - Air Commodore Sharrocks, and the Station Commander RAF Valley - Group Captain Hoare.

The Secretary of State was keen to witness how the RAF is training the next generation of fast jet pilots and also to assess for himself the impact of recent investment in flying training and the efforts to increase the throughput of pilots to the trained strength in a timely manner.

Two new-production Dassault 900LX aircraft, known as Envoy IV CC Mk1 in RAF service, were purchased to replace the BAe146 which went out of service in March 2022. The primary role of the Envoy is Command Support Air Transport (CSAT), providing assured, secure, timely and discreet Air Transport of high priority military personnel and small items of mission critical freight to, from and within operational areas.  The Envoy aircraft transport key military and diplomatic personnel around the world quicker and more efficiently than before. They can fly further, faster, and more sustainably than the aircraft they have replaced. This ability will strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, which will in turn increase regional and national stability. It also facilitates regular and timely global engagement in-line with the UKs International Defence Engagement Strategy.
Envoy IV CC Mk1

The Envoy name reflects the role of the aircraft in defence diplomacy and relationship building and is a nod to previous Envoy aircraft in RAF service. The original Envoy aircraft in RAF service was the Airspeed Envoy, first flown in 1934. It was a twin-engine light transport aircraft, used by the RAF across Marks I, II (as the Oxford) and III, before and during World War 2 in the communications role; one of which served with the ‘Kings Flight’, the precursor to today’s No 32 (The Royal) Squadron.




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23 February, 2024

RAF Poseidon aircraft conducts training in Iceland

A Poseidon P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth has conducted training with the United States Navy and the Icelandic Coast Guard flying from Keflavik Iceland.



The Poseidon from 120 Squadron, a part of the RAF Poseidon Force, conducted training as part of Exercise Icelandic Falcon.  Also taking part was a second P8 flown by the US Navy’s Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9), the “Golden Eagles”. This squadron is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington on the US west coast.  

The RAF objective of the exercise was to continue the development of overseas training by the Poseidon Force as they approach Full Operating Capability. The deployment was also part of the Force’s Agile Combat Employment Capability development. This was demonstrated by the aircraft deploying with 13 aircrew to conduct the sorties and eight ground engineers to maintain and prepare the aircraft.

Another element of the exercise was to conduct cooperative Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training with the US Navy who were flying a second Poseidon. The Poseidon sorties were controlled from the Icelandic Coast Guard-operated Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at Keflavik. This CRC is integrated into the wider NATO Air defence system.

“Ex Icelandic Falcon is a high-value training event providing the CXX Squadron crew the opportunity to work closely with our Allies in the North Atlantic theatre.  

Squadron Leader ‘Barbs’ Barber, RAF Detachment Commander said: "We were excellently hosted by the Icelandic Coast Guard and worked closely with the US Navy to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare training missions to improve our interoperability and ability to operate in cold climates.  The RAF Poseidon engineering team did a great job in ensuring the jet performed as expected throughout the detachment and the air and ground crews gained a huge amount of experience from this deployment."

20 February, 2024

RAF ground elements work with other nations on Spears of Victory 24

Spears of Victory 24 - the main Saudi run air exercise of the year - draws to a close, and an important element of the exercise for the RAF detachment was to take the opportunity to work with the other nations that also took part. 

Spears of Victory 24, as in previous years, is a multi-national air training exercise that is run by the Royal Saudi Air Force. The facilities include six maintenance hangars capable of accommodating two aircraft each, together with 24 aircraft sun shelters. 

This year, the detachments from France, Greece, Qatar, the UAE and the US, together with the RAF, were allocated one hangar each and six sun shades.  The exercise has therefore created the daily opportunity of interaction between all of the ground elements of the detachments to meet and share how they work.

The ground support element of the RAF deployed personnel included XI (Fighter) Squadron Engineers, the Detachment Logistic Group and other augmentees to provide the full range of the various staff functions that form a Headquarters Forward function.

In addition to the DLG other enablers that deployed on the exercise including personnel from the Tactical Medical Wing, to provide a link into the Saudi medical system if required.  RAF Police also deployed to work with RSAF security personnel.

“The first task for the DLG was to deploy all of the exercise personnel and all of the freight. We have something called a Force Element Table and the Pre Equipment Package, which we bring out for the fighter squadron. On top of that we're supporting the move for all of the kit for elements such as the Tactical Med Wing and 90 Signals Unit detachments."

Flight Lieutenant Boyle
DLG Commander deployed on Spears of Victory 24


“Once we're all set up into the location and the exercise, our role then is to really maintain the supply of equipment needed. Each individual element, including the squadron, might require things. It could be anything from an ink cartridge to an aircraft spare and it's our responsibility to be able to supply that. This will be either from the equipment that we brought with us or we might need to source that back from the UK or other locations, or even source that from within location or the exercise."

Flight Lieutenant Boyle
DLG Commander deployed on Spears of Victory 24 











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16 February, 2024

RAF Typhoons are flying on a large scale Saudi Arabian multinational air exercise

The RAF Typhoons from XI (Fighter) Squadron that are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia taking part in this year’s Spears of Victory exercise are flying daily sorties as part of a large coalition of nations.

During the exercise, the nations are flying together in mixed groups to conduct air operations against a simulated peer adversary. Each contingent during the missions is practicing conducting defensive counter-air and offensive counter-air operations, as well as air interdiction training against live and simulated threats. 

Colonel Alshehri Saeed, Royal Saudi Air Force Exercise Director said:  “The RSAF and the RAF have a strong alliance that has continued to develop here on Spears of Victory 24, we look forward to working together in the future."

Squadron Leader Hodgkinson, UK Detachment Commander commented:  “The missions that are flown on Spears of Victory 24 are the centrepiece of the exercise. Pilots and aircrew on a multinational exercise are able to build relationships through shared experiences."

In addition to the RAF Typhoons taking part, the Royal Saudi Air Force are flying their Typhoons, Tornados and F-15s. F-16s are taking part from, Greece, and the UAE. The Saudi F-15s have been joined by others from Qatar, with the French Air and Space Force detachment contributing Rafales. The Pakistan Air Force are flying their JF-17s. The Royal Air Force of Oman IS also flying Typhoons. The US contribution this year has been to allocate KC 135 sorties to add to the Air to Air Refuelling capability. In total, over 60 aircraft are taking part in the exercise this year.

Flight Lieutenant ‘Boz’,  RAF Typhoon pilot on the exercise told us: “Whilst on Spears of Victory, a number of us will take part as the Mission commander, Deputy Mission commander, or a Package Lead.

“During one sortie I was the Air to Air package lead.  What that means is whilst I am leading a formation of Typhoons, I'm also feeding into the bigger picture and in charge of other assets within the area of operations.  With this being a network-enabled exercise I not only have the situational awareness of my own formation, but also what other call signs are doing and that is a critical element of modern warfighting."







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14 February, 2024

Operating from Saudi Arabia for large scale multinational air exercise brings challenges for UK's Royal Air Force

The RAF Coningsby-based Engineers currently taking part in this year’s Spears of Victory exercise that is being held at the King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been successfully ensuring the deployed Typhoons are ready to fly.


The Engineers are mainly from XI (Fighter) Squadron and have set up a forward deployed facility at the Saudi Air Warfare Centre. Key to the Engineers' work is the small Ground Support System support team. This system captures data from the jet during the flight, and once the sortie is over the GSS team download the data to transfer it to a closed computer network. 

This network allows the Engineers to access the data and informs them of any issues that have occurred during the flight.

Sergeant Shaw, Rectification Controller said:  “The GSS system is critical for our work here, it is a bit like when you take your car to a garage and the mechanic plugs a computer into your car to find the fault, but that is a simplification it does so much more. 

The data from the GSS system gives us a detailed understanding of the jet and how it is performing.  This is the big difference between a modern jet such as the Typhoon and a legacy jet such as the Tornado that I first worked on. We are still the hands on engineers who have to carry out the maintenance and fix the jets, but it is the system that points us towards the issue”.

08 February, 2024

RAF Globemaster delivers Army attack helicopters to the Arctic

A Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster recently delivered Army Air Corps Apache helicopters to Royal Norwegian Air Force Base Bardufoss.

Joint Helicopter Command personnel were hopeful that they could successfully train and complete environmental qualifications in the Arctic Winter and to learn how to live and operate in one of the world’s most hostile environments where temperatures can fall to -30°C.

The survival and operational training ensure that UK military personnel can operate globally to protect the UK’s interests, particularly alongside NATO and partner Nations. Cooperation and interoperability enable the projection of lethal force and also an ability to sustain deployments.

Once arctic training is complete, the Joint Helicopter Force’s Apache will be staying on in Norway to take part in another exercise involving 20,000 personnel from 14 countries.

Royal Air Force Typhoons arrive in Saudi Arabia for large scale multinational air exercise

Flying high ready for action.
RAF Coningsby based Typhoons from XI (Fighter) Squadron have arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join this year’s Spears of Victory exercise being held at the King Abdulaziz Air Base. 

Personnel from across the RAF have deployed on this large scale, Saudi hosted multinational air warfare training exercise. The RAF are joining participants from several branches of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s military, as well as contingents from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, France, Greece, Pakistan, and the US.

Squadron Leader Hodgkinson, UK Detachment Commander said:  “Spears of Victory 24 is an extremely important training opportunity for our force enablers to work alongside strategic partners in the region to demonstrate the Combat Air capacity of our highly trained pilots and engineers in the Typhoon Force. Now, as much as never before, we strive for excellence in air dominance – collaborating with allies that have come together in a demonstration of their commitment to stability in the Broader Middle East."

In addition to the RAF Typhoons taking part in this year’s exercise, the Royal Saudi Air Force will be flying their Typhoons, Tornados and F-15s.  F-16s are taking part from Bahrain, Greece, and the UAE.  The Saudi F-15s will be joined by others from Qatar.  The French Air and Space detachment will be contributing Rafales, and the Pakistan Air Force will be flying their JF-17s. The Royal Air Force of Oman will also be flying Typhoons.

An F16 arrives from the UAE

Hodgkinson adds: "The welcome at King Abdulaziz Air Base and the support in country has been fantastic and the facilities here will allow us to really make the most of this opportunity. We look forward to a busy deployment, operating at a high tempo alongside our international colleagues; I am confident the whole detachment will learn a great deal from the Exercise."

The United States Detachment is not flying this year, but instead has committed a mixed unit of National Guardsmen to provide a range of ground support activities, including Fire Fighters Security, and logisticians to support the exercise.









13 December, 2023

MOD signs infrastructure contracts at RAF Waddington – the new home of the Red Arrows

The MoD has signed contracts to provide new and refurbished infrastructure for the Red Arrows at their new home of RAF Waddington.



These contracts, signed with construction company Galliford Try, also include work to build or refurbish facilities at three other RAF stations. The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team (RAFAT), better known as the Red Arrows, moved to RAF Waddington in October last year. New facilities are now required for the team and their distinctive red Hawk fast jets.

The project is part of the MOD’s wider Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, which is investing £5.1bn in the infrastructure needed by our service people through construction activity, unit and personnel moves, and the release of sites that are no longer suited to the needs of our modern military.

Air Officer Airbases, Air Commodore Portlock welcomed senior leaders from DEO, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and representatives from Galliford Try to RAF Waddington. They signed four contracts to deliver a project which spans RAF Leeming, RAF Saxton Wold, both RAF Boulmer sites and RAF Waddington.

Speaking at the signing, Air Commodore Portlock said:  "This significant milestone marks an exciting transition into the much-awaited design and build phase of the project. Providing this essential infrastructure will enable the RAF to make best use of its estate, whilst also delivering our capabilities which are critical to defence."

Earlier this year, multiple contractors from the construction industry were awarded packages of work across the DEO Portfolio in a landmark move to speed up project delivery. The move will also provide a more collaborative way of working, and a consistent approach to sustainable building practices.

06 December, 2023

RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint has supported the United States Navy's Exercise Resolute Hunter.


For the first time a RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint has supported the United States Navy’s major 3-week air exercise, known as Exercise Resolute Hunter.



The aircraft flown by 51 Squadron at RAF Waddington supported the annual exercise in Nevada. Previously, crews from 51 Squadron have flown in US Rivet Joint aircraft on the exercise, but this is the first time the Squadron has sent one of its own aircraft.

The exercise was hosted by the Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Weapons Centre at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada, USA. The RAF’s electronic surveillance aircraft worked with MH-60s, MQ-8C, P-8A, E-3G, RQ-4, U-2S, and ground elements on training areas over land and over the Pacific Ocean.


After a short stop at Offutt Air Force Base (AFB), the home of 51 Squadron’s RJ partners the Fightin’ 55th, the aircraft crew met the rest of UK Rivet Joint enterprise at Fallon, which consisted of 51 Squadron, 1 ISR Wing, and 90 Signals Unit.

Fallon, and its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain, is home to the United States Navy’s premier aviation range. It includes 13,000+ square miles of airspace, restricted areas and ranges. It is also home to several Navy Weapons Schools including the most famous – the Strike Fighter Weapons School, or, Top Gun.

The exercise aimed to refine the crew’s Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage and Assess skills and also provides an opportunity for 51 Squadron to reciprocate the co-crewing sorties that the USAF’s 55th Wing provide.

The exercise gave the squadron the opportunity to switch from its usual operational taskings to consider other environments, threats, and aircraft. This ensures that they retain the skills required to undertake a wide variety of missions in support of the UK’s intelligence requirements. 

Wing Commander Keith Bissett, Leader of the RAF Detachment said:  “The challenge this exercise provided the crews has been phenomenal. The exercise team worked exceptionally hard to ensure that all of the assets were tested in a contested and congested scenario. Our aircraft has shown an extraordinary ability to support the targeting of the F-18 and EA-18G aircraft. We will continue our co-crewing in future exercises to develop the capabilities of the UK Rivet Joint.”


When it flew its Model 367-80 ‘Dash 80’ prototype for the first time on July 15, 1954, Boeing hoped the aircraft would take the airlines by storm.  Extrapolating technology used on the B-47 and B-52 jet bombers, the aircraft represented a quantum leap directly into the jet age compared to the company’s piston-engined Model 367 Stratocruiser. With its swept wing and fourjet powerplant, carried in discrete underwing nacelles, the Dash 80 was the most modern commercial transport available.

RC-135W Rivet Joint is a dedicated electronic surveillance aircraft that can be employed in all theatres on strategic and tactical missions. Its sensors ‘soak up’ electronic emissions from communications, radar and other systems.  RC-135W Rivet Joint employs multidiscipline Weapons System Officer (WSO) and Weapons System Operator (WSOp) specialists whose mission is to survey elements of the electromagnetic spectrum in order to derive intelligence for commanders.


Yet the airlines were left unimpressed and it was the US Air Force, realising it needed a jet tanker to support its jet bombers, that saw the Dash 80 into production.  In September 1955 it ordered its first KC-135A Stratotanker, Boeing modifying the Dash 80 to trial a ‘flying boom’ refuelling system.  The Stratotanker entered service on June 28, 1957 and Boeing continued development along this military line under the company designation Model 717.

The airlines had been unimpressed by the Dash 80’s cabin width, which was too narrow for six-abreast seating, and Boeing therefore returned to the Dash 80 concept, widening the cabin and developing a series of successful airliners as the Model 707.

Boeing built 732 KC-135s in different variants, many of them ultimately re-engined with the modern CFM56 turbofan, known as the F108 in military service.  These aircraft are designated KC-135R.  There was also a line of C-135 transports, EC-135 command posts, RC-135 intelligence gatherers and a host of other variants, with the KC and RC remaining in widespread service.

Developed under Boeing’s Model 739 series, the first of a long line of RC-135 variants was ordered in 1962.  This photographic reconnaissance RC-135A entered service during the mid-1960s, followed by the first of the electronic intelligence gatherers, the RC-135B.  The precedent for modifying KC airframes to RC standard was set in 1972, with the conversion of three KC-135As as RC-135Ds for the Rivet Brass mission.  All subsequent RC variants were produced by conversion/upgrade, mostly from C, KC and RC standards, culminating in the RC-135V and RC-135W, operated under the Rivet Joint codename that has become internationally, and officially recognised in USAF parlance, as the type’s name.

In June 2011, 51 Sqn flew the final BAe Nimrod R.Mk 1 sortie of its 37-year association with the type. Plans were under way for the aircraft’s replacement under a project known as Airseeker, which had begun the previous March.  It envisaged the acquisition of three RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft for delivery from 2013.  The machines were to be converted from USAF KC-135R airframes and L-3 Communications in Greenville, Texas was chosen to perform the work as the USAF’s experienced Rivet Joint contractor.  The work began in March 2011.

On November 12, 2013, No. 51 Sqn took delivery of the UK’s first Rivet Joint, operating its maiden operational sortie on May 23, 2014.  The second aircraft arrived in August 2015 and the third on June 8, 2017.  For the purposes of sensor and system upgrades, the trio are considered an extension of the USAF Rivet Joint fleet, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of capability.

Rivet Joint has been deployed extensively for Operation Shader and on other operational taskings.  It had been formally named Airseeker, but is almost universally known in service as the RC-135W Rivet Joint. 

05 December, 2023

RAF lands in Australia to participate in Exercise Global Dexterity for the first time

An RAF C-17 has touched down in Amberley, Australia, alongside the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) to participate in Exercise Global Dexterity for the very first time.

The exercise sees aircrew and groundcrew from each military seamlessly fly and maintain each other’s aircraft, with opportunities to practice low-level flying amongst the mountains of Papua New Guinea next week.

Additionally, crews will experience operating out of austere airfields with intentionally limited infrastructure in Northern Australia, where they will conduct flights into Papua New Guinea to practice tactical airlifts amidst the challenging terrain.

The UK, Australia and United States all rely on the C-17 to provide strategic and tactical airlift to destinations across the world. Our participation on Exercise Global Dexterity helps train our crews to operate effectively in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as developing our interoperability with our American and Australian partners.



29 November, 2023

Royal Air Force Typhoons take part in large international exercise in Qatar

Typhoons from RAF Coningsby-based XI(Fighter) Squadron, have taken part in a large international exercise in Qatar.

The exercise known as Ferocious Falcon V, involved forces from Qatar, France, Italy, Türkiye and the United States. The RAF Typhoons were also joined by elements of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards and HMS Lancaster.

The Qatari led exercise is designed to bring partner forces together to increase combat efficiency and increase unity. The exercise also strengthens the bonds of friendship, the support of joint action and the exchange of experiences with these countries.

Elements from the Qatari land, naval and air forces all took part in the exercise. The Qatari aim was that all military personnel from the participating countries will gain experience in the field and strengthen international relations by cooperating in various missions.

Squadron Leader Hodgkinson, XI (F) Squadron Detachment Commander said:  “This Exercise offered increased exposure to our allies in the Broader Middle East, facilitating advanced training and integration. The small detachment of pilots and specialist engineers have delivered 100% exercise sortie completion rates and the opportunity to work closely with international allies has been invaluable.

XI (F) Squadron, like the rest of the Typhoon Force, are held at readiness to project Combat Air across the globe.  We have completed Ex Bersama Lima in Malaysia and then pivoted to the Middle East for this exercise, reflecting the agility and resilience the squadron and aircraft offers”.







24 October, 2023

New global surveillance aircraft begins UK trials

A new uncrewed RAF aircraft, capable of global surveillance operations, will begin trials in the UK this week.



The first of 16 remotely piloted Protector aircraft has arrived at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to commence a series of rigorous trials and tests before entering the RAF fleet.

Equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment, the Protector aircraft will bring a critical global surveillance capability for the UK, all while being remotely piloted from RAF Waddington.

It will be able to undertake a wide range of tasking including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counter-terrorism and support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.



With a wingspan of 79 feet, the uncrewed aircraft can operate at heights up to 40,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 30 hours, enabling unparalleled surveillance and strike capability. 

The aircraft has been assembled by a newly reformed 31 Squadron who are preparing it for ground and air testing ahead of its anticipated in-service date later next year. 31 Sqn, which previously operated the Tornado GR4, will operate and maintain the aircraft at RAF Waddington. The squadron has a long history stretching back to 1915 and have operated multiple aircraft types in the last century. They are exclusively a Protector Sqn now and have been reformed to operate Protector as it enters Service.  

Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge MP said: "The UK’s world-class Protector aircraft will emphasise our ultra-modern surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike capabilities, ensuring we are ready to monitor and protect against potential adversaries around the globe.

“With the first aircraft at RAF Waddington ready to begin trials, we will once again demonstrate how we are spearheading military defence technology." 

The first phase of tests, beginning this week, will involve ground testing of the satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as take-off and landing trials. This will also incorporate a circuit above RAF Waddington.

In addition to accepting the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles currently undertaken by Reaper, which has provided exceptional service on operations around the clock for more than 15 years, Protector will be certified to stringent NATO safety and certification standards allowing it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.

Senior Responsible Owner, Protector Programme Air Commodore Alex Hicks, said: "The arrival of the UK’s first Protector to the Royal Air Force is the culmination of years of work by many personnel across the whole of the MOD. The ISR Capability Team will be working with 56 Sqn, our test and evaluation experts, who will put the aircraft through its paces to ensure it is ready for operational service next year, whilst the newly reformed 31 Sqn will focus on preparing to operate the aircraft in service. This is an important milestone for the Programme, Air Force and wider defence and I am delighted to see Protector at RAF Waddington."

Head of Remotely Piloted Air System DE&S, Simon Holford said: "The arrival of the first Protector system in the UK is a major milestone for the project.  It reflects all of the hard work that everyone involved has put in to reach this stage, and we are immensely proud of our achievements.  However, we can’t rest on our laurels as there is much more to do. Now assembled, this aircraft will be used to perform initial UK flight trials ahead of progressively delivering the capability to the RAF next year."

The arrival of 15 further aircraft from General Atomics in the US into the UK will be a phased delivery over the coming years. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.




08 October, 2023

Two RAF Typhoon Squadrons deploy simultaneously to opposite sides of the world


This week, two Typhoon Squadrons have deployed simultaneously to Operation Carson in Poland & Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia.

In Poland, the operational detachment codenamed Op Carson, involves pilots undertaking combat air training with NATO allies Poland, Italy and Spain. This training includes dogfighting against different types of aircraft, and Close Air Support (CAS) training that helps ground forces in combat. This activity went ahead of the Warsaw Security Forum, where ministers from Defence and the FCDO stressed the need to maintain support for Ukraine and keep up the pressure on Russia.

RAF Typhoon and a foreign aircraft flying together over land

In Malaysia, the Typhoons flew nearly 7000 miles with support of the Voyager aircraft to work together in an air defence scenario with partners from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. These nations form the Five Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which is a defensive military agreement to help maintain security in the region.

Whether its flying alongside allies in Poland, or 7000 miles away in Malaysia, the jets are always busy developing strong and enduring international partnerships.


03 October, 2023

RAF achieves Initial Operating Capability on its latest Terminal Air Traffic Control Centre


The third and final Royal Air Force Terminal Air Traffic Control Centre (TATCC) has achieved Initial Operating Capability at RAF Brize Norton.

Air Traffic Controller using the new tech with a contractor from Aquila.  Photo RAF

The move has seen the amalgamation of the RAF Brize Norton and RAF Benson Air Traffic Control radar teams to create TATCC (South), the latest ‘hub’ concept of Air Traffic Service delivery. The new centre joins existing hub sites at RAF Coningsby (TATCC (Lincs) providing services to Barkston, Cranwell and Waddington) and at RAF Marham (TATCC (East) providing services to Wittering).

Air Traffic Controllers using the new equipment.  Photo RAF

The development has seen nine radar trained personnel move from Benson to Brize Norton where they have used the Thales TopSky display for the first time. The exploitation of feeds from cutting-edge STAR-NG and WAM surveillance sensors represents a huge stride forward in capability compared to legacy radar equipment.

Air Traffic Controllers using the new technology  Photo RAF

This centralised model eliminates the need for radar staff to be dispersed over a wide geographic area, fosters improved co-ordination, and allows for future optimisation.

The change was welcomed by the TATCC (South) Commander, Squadron Leader Clayton who said,

It’s a genuine privilege to be a part of the new beginning for Brize ATC now that it has transitioned to the TATCC(S). The incredible amount of effort by the team in the tower and on the Marshall Delivery Team is clear to see. I’m now looking forward to welcoming Odiham and Boscombe Down in the near future and delivering future optimisation.

The current staff strength of circa 70 personnel is set to rise to over 90 in 2024 when additional personnel from RAF Odiham and MOD Boscombe Down join the team. This expansion is the next step to a Full Operating Capability that will see TATCC (South) become the largest terminal ATS provider in the UK Military.

The move is part of Programme Marshall, a £1.9 Billion investment in Military Air Traffic equipment throughout the whole Defence estate, at home and abroad.

The delivery of the complex and highly technical project has required significant cross-functional effort from teams within DE&S, 2 Group Battlespace Management and Aquila. The importance of this relationship was echoed by Aquila CEO, Mike Stoller, who said: 

The creation of the TATCC at RAF Brize Norton is the result of strong collaboration between Aquila, our team partners, and our customer the MOD. The TATCC or 'Hub' concept is at the very core of Marshall and just one of many benefits that the programme is delivering. Programme Marshall is set to transform air traffic management at our military sites across the UK and overseas.

With another key milestone reached, the programme continues at pace delivering new and proven equipment to ensure our Air Traffic Service providers have the best tools available to them.

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