The UK's Royal Air Force practices rapidly relocating fighter jets....

Four Typhoons from XI(F) Squadron, RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire were instructed without prior notice to transfer to MOD Boscombe Down, Wiltshire as part of Exercise Agile Pirate. They were tasked to be ready to operate Quick Reaction Alert – to respond to potential aerial threats in or near UK airspace – without delay, testing the RAF’s ability to rapidly disperse and operate assets vital to UK defence. Later in the exercise they were joined by two F-35B Lightning aircraft, with the fifth-generation fighter jets also taking the opportunity to test their operability at an unfamiliar airbase.

The exercise is part of the RAF’s aim to conduct Agile Combat Employment or ACE. It is an approach to operations that requires RAF personnel and assets to be flexible and agile; operating in austere locations with minimal support, constantly moving and changing location to maintain the initiative, and outpace any action from an adversary whether in the UK or overseas alongside our NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force partners.

Support teams from multiple bases provided operations, engineering, logistics, communications, security, and catering to the Typhoon deployment. They too had no prior notice but were able to depart their home bases 3 hours after activation. An Atlas A400M transport aircraft delivered a bulk of essential equipment to Boscombe Down just hours after activation and a day later the deployment was operational.

The Typhoons were on standby in hardened aircraft shelters and were airborne within minutes following a scramble call from Tactical Air Command and Control, referred to as Tac Air C2. Specialists from 19 Squadron at RAF Boulmer dispersed to radar sites across the UK to give a full visual of the situation, called the Recognised Air Picture, and control the scrambled aircraft to intercept simulated threats. They achieved multiple successful intercepts of target aircraft, and with this, their largest dispersal of Tac Air C2 assets in decades demonstrated the RAF’s ability to rapidly deploy and operate in austere conditions.

MOD Boscombe Down is the home of military aircraft testing and evaluation. It is a former RAF site which has been operated by QinetiQ since 2001. QinetiQ were extremely positive in supporting the exercise – providing airfield and air traffic services, refuelling, and powered working areas. RAF Typhoons previously conducted Quick Reaction Alert from Boscombe Down in 2012 for the Olympics

The RAF deployment otherwise strived to have a minimal footprint and impact to the site. This meant catering provided by the RAF’s Mobile Catering Squadron – 3MCS, communication links from 90 Signals Unit, airfield security provided by RAF Police, and tented accommodation.

Royal Air Force Falcons carry out parachute display from C-17 Globemaster

Royal Air Force Falcons carry out parachute display from C-17 Globemaster

The RAF Parachute Display Team, the Falcons, have carried out the first display jump from an RAF C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

The display was carried out by eight members of the RAF Falcons jumping over Witney, Oxfordshire.  The jump from the C-17 Globemaster of RAF Brize Norton based 99 Squadron, was primarily a proof of concept activity, which now allows the Falcons to use this aircraft for future displays and gives the team a much greater range.  The sortie also provided important training for the 99 Squadron aircrew to gain the currency needed for this activity.

Gp Capt Milburn said:  “It was so good to see the RAF Falcons exiting the C17.  The run-in over the drop zone was in itself a spectacle of air power and gravitas, and the Falcons thrilled the crowd with their precision and team cohesion as they landed safely into the arena.Those ex-Falcons of us watching were impressed with the professionalism of the team as they then interacted well with the crowd, talking mainly to the children about parachuting and the RAF in general.  On behalf of the Canopy Club, which next year celebrates its 80th anniversary, it was a privilege to witness the current RAF Falcons parachuting from the C17.”

RAF Typhoon jets intercept Russian bombers flying north of Scotland

The Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth, one of the RAF’s two Quick Reaction Alert stations, where RAF fighters are constantly available to respond to threats at a moment’s notice.

Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots launched Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighters to intercept two Russian long-range maritime patrol bombers this morning as they transited north of the Shetland Islands within NATO’s northern air policing area.

The Typhoon jets launched from RAF Lossiemouth, one of the RAF’s two QRA stations, where RAF fighters are constantly available to respond to threats at a moment’s notice in order to defend UK airspace.

The Russian Tu-142 Bear-F and Tu-142 Bear-J maritime patrol aircraft, used for reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, were monitored by RAF Typhoons in international airspace as they passed north of the UK.

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said:   "RAF crews at Lossiemouth maintain a constant watch over UK airspace and are always ready to take action at a moment’s notice to keep our country safe.

Pilots launched in their Typhoon jets to intercept two Russian long-range bombers this morning, monitoring them as they passed north of the Shetland Islands, ready to counter any potential threat to UK territory."

A Voyager tanker was also scrambled and remained airborne for the duration of the mission to offer air-to-air refueling, ensuring the Typhoons could remain in the air for the extended period necessary to complete their mission.

The lead RAF Typhoon pilot said:  "It’s really satisfying to know we’ve been able to make a successful intercept, maintaining the integrity of UK and NATO airspace.

When the alarm for a scramble happened in the early hours of the morning, the adrenaline kicked in. Working in tandem with ground control operators, and with air-to-air refueling from an RAF Voyager, we were able to stay on task until the mission was complete, and the target aircraft departed the UK’s area of interest."

RAF Typhoons are scrambled during these incidents to secure and safeguard the skies of the UK. RAF pilots from Lossiemouth recently completed a four-month deployment to lead NATO’s air policing mission in Estonia, where more than 50 air intercepts of this kind were carried out.

Russian military aircraft entering the UK Flight Information Region, the UK’s controlled zone of international airspace, can pose a hazard to other aircraft. These Russian aircraft often do not talk to air traffic control or ‘squawk’, broadcasting a code ensuring they are visible to other air users and air traffic controllers on the ground.

The Typhoons and Voyager have returned to their base and the aircraft have been refueled to remain ready to respond to any future potential threats.

Air101: RAF to provide specialist firefighting vehicles and training to Ukraine's firefighters 

Air101: Royal Air Force Atlas shows its range during Pacific air exercise

Air101: RAF completes NATO air policing mission in the Baltic

Royal Air Force Atlas shows its range during Pacific air exercise

A Royal Air Force Atlas transport aircraft has shown its range and flexibility on exercise by flying non-stop to the other side of the world and conducting long-range air drops, medical evacuation scenarios and simulated search and rescue tasks.

During the large US-led multi-national exercise the Atlas detachment transported US Air Force troops and equipment from Guam to the Philippines, then worked with medical specialists from New Zealand, USA and the RAF’s Tactical Medical Wing to provide humanitarian aid in a disaster relief scenario, before quickly reconfiguring to conduct a long-range air drop alongside partner nations to deliver equipment by parachute to ground forces.

The A400M Atlas flew non-stop from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire to Guam in the Western Pacific for the start of Exercise Mobility Guardian, the longest flight by this aircraft at more than 8000 miles away, demonstrating the RAF’s ability to reach just about anywhere in the world to conduct operations. The flight crews and ground support worked intensively to complete two missions every day on the 16-day exercise.

Squadron Leader Hedley Myers, Atlas Detachment Commander said: “The flight out was designed to test and prove the concept of long-range insertion.  The flight generated extremely useful data for future operations and was the first time that a Royal Air Force Atlas has been air-to-air refuelled to its full capacity whilst carrying a full load.  We will use this data to hone our calculations to enable us to carry more freight, further in future iterations.”

During the insertion flight, the Atlas carried a full load of palletised and wheeled freight equating to nine aircraft pallets weighing approximately seven tons, that included a ground power generator, two Critical Care Air Support Team stretcher fits, aircraft spares and general freight, together with 17 passengers.

RAF completes NATO air policing mission in the Baltic

The UK has been leading NATO’s air policing mission in Estonia for the last four months, demonstrating the UK's commitment to the Alliance and security in Europe. The RAF intercepted 50 Russian aircraft 

Royal Air Force personnel have returned to the UK after leading NATO’s Baltic air policing mission in Estonia for four months, during which pilots intercepted 50 Russian aircraft and flew for a combined total of more than 500 hours.

Members of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (140 EAW) have been deployed to Ämari Air Base since the start of March, along with a squadron of RAF Typhoon fighter jets, to conduct Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) intercepts of Russian aircraft transiting close to NATO airspace.

Typhoon jets and their pilots from IX(Bomber) and 1(Fighter) squadrons had deployed to Estonia from RAF Lossiemouth, where the majority of 140 EAW’s personnel have now returned.

The deployment, named Op Azotize, began with RAF pilots flying missions alongside the German Air Force – during which the first ever air joint air intercept between NATO allies took place, as British and German Typhoons shadowed a Russian air-to-air refuelling aircraft and transport aircraft.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:  "Hundreds of RAF pilots and personnel have spent months away from their families, working round-the-clock alongside our allies to keep Europe’s skies safe.

The UK’s successful leadership of NATO’s air policing mission in Estonia, resulting in the interception of dozens of Russian aircraft by the RAF, sends a strong message to Putin that we stand united with our allies against any threat to our borders."

Personnel from 140EAW were held at a moment’s notice to intercept Russian aircraft that do not liaise with NATO-controlled regional air traffic agencies and do not file flight plans, thus failing to adhere to international norms. This, in turn, creates a flight safety risk that must be investigated and monitored by NATO aircraft to ensure the safety of all air traffic in the region.

After taking full leadership of the air policing mission, RAF Typhoons flew QRA intercepts on a regular basis – including a 21-day period in which Russian fighters, long-range bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft were intercepted 21 times.

During the course of the deployment, operations were conducted in coordination with the Portuguese and Romanian Air Forces, which jointly led the NATO air policing mission in Lithuania.

Defence Minister Baroness Goldie DL said: "Following a successful deployment to Estonia from our strategic airbase at Lossiemouth, I pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing for their role in protecting NATO airspace over the last four months. The day to day, personal sacrifices made not only by the individuals but also their families in the name of duty are nothing short of commendable. It is reflective of the important contribution to our defence capability from all parts of the UK.

Our work with European partners and our NATO Allies continues to provide the backbone to European security, of which our pilots, aircrews and RAF personnel have all formed a central part. They should be proud of what they have achieved"

While deployed to Estonia, the RAF has also taken part in a number of major exercises with NATO allies, including Exercise Air Defender, the largest NATO Air Deployment exercise since the end of the Cold War, with more than 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel taking part from 25 nations. The RAF contribution to the exercise combined Typhoons from 140 EAW based in Estonia and 903 EAW based in Cyprus, and included F-35, Voyager and A-400M aircraft flying from the UK.

Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail 'represents extremely poor value for money' according to UK defence procurement system report

Royal Air Force - E-7 Wedgetail

A House of Commons Committee report on the state of the UK's Defence Procurement System has criticised the Ministry of Defences' order of five E-7 Wedgetails Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, produced by Boeing. 

The report states that in March 2019 the MoD signed a contract to purchase five E-7 Wedgetails planes which at the time were already in service with the Royal Australian Airforce and US Air Force. The aircraft had been used during operations in Iraq and Syria by the Americans with a proven capability.

The UK’s initial order for five E-7s was reduced to three in the Defence Command Paper of 2021. The reduction in fleet size, which was a ministerial decision, was likely related to cost, the report summary says, however, the original order of five E-7s was estimated to cost £2.1 billion, while the three E-7s will cost £1.89 billion - partly because the MoD is contractually obligated to buy five associated airborne radars, regardless). Even basic arithmetic would suggest that ordering three E-7s rather than five at some 90% of the original acquisition cost represents extremely poor value for money. 

In September 2022, the IOC for the E-7 Wedgetail slipped from 2023 to 2024 but even this date remains subject to still outstanding confirmation of the Full Business Case (FBC). The IOC may now slip into 2025 if the MoD receives its first E-7 in late 2024. According to Boeing, this delay is because of supply chain issues related to Covid-19 and workforce issues. However, DE&S are still negotiating an FBC and associated in-service support contract with Boeing, which should already have been successfully finalised long ago. 

This situation is exacerbated by the fact that the Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, which E-7 is destined to replace, was withdrawn from service shortly after the publication of the original Integrated Review in 2021. This has created an important capability gap, especially in view of the war in Ukraine. Moreover, the three E-7 Wedgetails which the RAF still intends to buy will be absolutely “prize targets” for the air force of any potential adversary. This makes the reduction in planned airframes from five to three appear an even greater false economy, indeed.

£66 million contract awarded for new terminal at RAF Akrotiri

A £66 million contract has been awarded for the construction of a new Passenger Handling Facility at RAF Akrotiri in southern Cyprus.

The contract – awarded by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and UK Strategic Command (UKStratCom) - will see the creation of a new terminal and freight buildings, known as the Passenger and Freight Handling Facility. It forms part of the APOLLO Programme, a UKStratCom and DIO programme to upgrade much of the infrastructure of MOD sites in Cyprus.

RAF Akrotiri is an important military base which has supported a huge variety of operations including the recent evacuation of British nationals from Sudan.

As the island is in an earthquake zone, the programme is replacing or strengthening those buildings which are not seismically compliant, and in doing so is providing many improved and new facilities for service personnel and their families.

The existing Passenger Handling Facility dates back to the 1960s and is no longer large enough to comfortably handle the number of people transported on modern RAF passenger aircraft. It was built for VC-10 Aircraft, which carried 131 passengers, but their replacement, RAF Voyagers, carry 291 passengers and 14 crew, meaning departure and arrival lounges are often crowded.

The design also includes a bigger check-in area with an additional check-in desk and a larger security scanning area, as well as four, instead of two immigration desks.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:

"RAF Akrotiri is an incredibly busy overseas base, supporting operations in the region and beyond - including the recent evacuation from Sudan - and this £66 million investment will significantly improve these facilities for our personnel and their families.

I’m proud that our dedicated teams in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and UK Strategic Command have kept up the momentum to continue upgrading our sites in Cyprus."

RAF Mountain Rescue Service celebrates 80 years of life saving for military personnel

The Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) is a blue-light emergency service for the provision of medical aid in the mountains, whether rescuing downed aircrew, missing military personnel or civilians.

Since humble beginnings in 1943 at RAF Llandwrog, the MRS has rescued and saved many lives at Aircraft Post Crash and Incident Management (APCIM) callouts and by assisting civilian MRT counterparts. Time and equipment may have changed significantly throughout the last 80 years, but the MRS’s people and mindsets haven’t.

Mountain Rescue Service personnel abseiling with a stretcher

In early 1942 an RAF Station search party, whom at the time made their own ad-hoc arrangements to locate and provide medical treatment for downed aircrew, found direction under Flight Lieutenant George Graham, Station Medical Officer at RAF Llandwrog.

A year later, after Flight Lieutenant Graham realised the equipment and expertise were inadequate to counter the number of aircraft crashes in Eryri Snowdonia, the RAF saw the inauguration of three Station MRTs for the coordination of aircrew rescues. Despite the loss of 571 lives in 220 aircraft crashes in 1943, the foundations of the MRS had been laid. The experience, hard work and enthusiasm of the early pioneers has remained pertinent over time that has seen RAF MRTs based in Cyprus, Hong Kong and the Middle East, and been deployed on overseas callouts including Borneo, Albania and Alaska.

Royal Air Force Atlas carries out longest ever flight for Pacific air exercise

Royal Air Force Atlas carries out longest-ever flight for Pacific Air exercise

A Royal Air Force Brize Norton A400M Atlas aircraft has carried out the longest-ever flight by this aircraft type to start the RAF deployment for Exercise Mobility Guardian 23. 

The Atlas departed from RAF Brize Norton, on the 3 July and flew nonstop for 22 hours to Guam, being refuelled on the way three times, once over the Atlantic, once over Alaska and finally over the Pacific Ocean.  During the flight the route also took the Atlas closer to the North pole over the Arctic ice cap than any previous flight by this aircraft type.

The first refuelling was carried out by a Voyager from 10/101 Sqn flying from the UK and the second and third refuelling being carried out by a second Voyager that was operating from the United States Airforce Eielson Airbase in Alaska. 

Air Commodore Lyle, RAF’s Air Mobility Force Commander: “Exercise Mobility Guardian is an outstanding training opportunity for the Air Mobility Force; it allows us to demonstrate the speed, reach and utility of the RAF, underpinned by the assets from the Air Mobility Force, and reinforces our ability to rapidly conduct global Air Operations. The non-stop flight of the A400M Atlas from RAF Brize Norton to Guam is a great example of our ability to project air power, allowing us to get aircraft, crews and vital equipment to the other side of the world in a timely manner and for them to be able to operate immediately”.

In addition to the strategic demonstration of the UK’s commitment to operate in the region, Flight Lieutenant York, from Voyager Force Training Flight said:  "From an aircrew perspective this has been a challenging and rewarding sortie for all, to enable long-range projection of the RAF Air Mobility Fleet.  The planning has been significant as well as the benefits of exercising long-range strategic air to air refuelling with another large aircraft type, conducted from forward-operating airports."

On arrival in Guam, the Atlas together with a RAF Voyager, elements from the Tactical Medical Wing and other supporting personnel from across the RAF will join the exercise.  In addition to the US aircraft taking part in Mobility Guardian, the RAF detachment will be joined by aircraft and personnel from Australia, Canada, France, Japan and New Zealand.

The exercise is the latest example of the importance that the UK gives to this region as the training area stretches from Northern Australia to Japan and then across the Pacific to Hawaii.  The object of the exercise is for the countries involved to develop their interoperability skills and understanding and so to be able to deliver Air Power if required and overcome the concept of ‘The Tyranny of Distance’.

During the exercise it is planned that sorties will be flown from and to Japan.  Such activities by the RAF demonstrate the UK’s commitment to the recently signed Hiroshima Accord between the UK and Japan.  This accord emphasises that the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are inseparable.  The UK and Japan, by strengthening shared security capabilities, help safeguard global peace and stability.

Advanced £870 million radar contract could sustain 600 UK jobs...

An £870 million five-year contract has been awarded to upgrade radar capabilities on the RAF Typhoon, fitting one of the world’s most advanced radars.

The UK government has confirmed that an £870 million five-year contract has been awarded to BAE Systems and Leonardo UK to upgrade radar capabilities on the RAF Typhoon, fitting the fighter jets with one of the world’s most advanced radars – the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2.

Following last year’s announcement at the 2022 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), in which Defence committed to a £2.35 billion investment to several upgrades for Typhoon, this is the first contract allocated from that major and complex investment and will see the completion of the development and integration of the ECRS Mk2.

The state-of-the-art radar will transform the Typhoon’s control of the air, bringing a world-leading electronic warfare capability which will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify, and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground. ECRS Mk2 will be integrated onto RAF Typhoon Tranche 3 aircraft and offered to other nations that operate the aircraft, boosting UK defence exports.

German Air Force renews A400M in-service support contract with Airbus

The contract extension covers 7.5 years

Airbus to build new A400M maintenance facility in Wunstorf, to open in 2027

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz, Germany has awarded Airbus with a contract renewal for the Luftwaffe’s A400M In-Service Support. The contract has a duration of 7.5 years and serves as an extension of the A400M In-Service Support contract that had been in place since December 2014.

“This contract extension shows a long-term commitment of the German government to the A400M. Together with the customer, we have made big strides in recent years to improve availability as well as the operational capabilities of the A400M, which has become an indispensable asset in Germany’s air force inventory”, said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems of Airbus Defence and Space. “This contract allows us to deepen our fruitful cooperation which, I believe, can serve as a role model of how industry and customers can work together successfully.”

The industrial technical support of the German Air Force A400M fleet covers a wide range of services provided by the Airbus Support Centre in Wunstorf Air Base and the central Centres of Competence in Getafe, Spain.

RAF jets intercept 21 Russian aircraft near NATO airspace

NATO has scrambled the jets six times in the last three weeks, intercepting 21 Russian aircraft in the last 21 days.

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters providing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft for the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia have been scrambled to respond to Russian aircraft 21 times in the last 21 days.

The Typhoons, from RAF Lossiemouth-based number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, have been operating out of Amari Air Base since March as part of the UK’s leading contribution to NATO.

When the jets and crew conduct Quick Reaction Alert activity, they maintain a constant high readiness to ensure they can get airborne at a moment’s notice.

Baltic air policing is currently delivered by the RAF, based in Estonia, alongside the Portuguese and Romanian Air Forces based in Lithuania.

The last three weeks have been especially busy and have resulted in the RAF intercepting 21 Russian aircraft in 21 days. These have included fighter aircraft (Su-27M FLANKER B, Su-30SM FLANKER H), VIP and other transport aircraft (Tu-134 CRUSTY, An-72 COALER, An-12 CUB), intelligence collection aircraft (Il-20 COOT A) and long-range bombers (Tu-22M BACKFIRE).

The RAF Typhoons launch to monitor the Russian aircraft when they do not talk to air traffic agencies, making them a flight safety hazard.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:  "These intercepts are a stark reminder of the value of collective defence and deterrence provided by NATO. The RAF has operated alongside our allies over the last three weeks to ensure both member states and our partner nations are protected, and they can be assured of our ongoing commitment to strengthening European security alongside those who share our values."

The Typhoon Squadron is supported by 100 RAF personnel deployed as part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), which enables the flying activities of the squadron.

While deployed to Estonia, the RAF has also taken part in a number of major exercises with NATO allies, including Exercise Air Defender, the largest NATO Air Deployment exercise since the end of the Cold War, with more than 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel taking part from 25 nations. The RAF contribution to the exercise combined Typhoons from 140 EAW based in Estonia and 903 EAW based in Cyprus, and included F-35, Voyager and A-400M aircraft flying from the UK.

140 EAW’s Commanding Officer Wing Commander Scott Maccoll:  "The number of recent intercepts that we have conducted from Amari Airbase in Estonia demonstrates the importance that our mission serves here in the Baltics. Throughout our NATO Air Policing Mission, 140 EAW has acted decisively and legitimately to uphold international law, protect democratic freedoms, and ensure the safety of all aircraft transiting throughout the airspace of member states. Working closely with our NATO allies has also improved interoperability across the alliance and bolstered regional security on NATO’s eastern flank."

The NATO Baltic Air Policing mission was established at Amari base in Estonia and Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania in 2014 after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Allies who contribute to the mission deploy to the air bases in Eastern Europe on a four month rotational basis, providing protection and assurance to all NATO members as well as partner nations.

The RAF will continue to conduct NATO’s Air Policing Mission in Estonia with 1 (F) Sqn Typhoons until August, when they will hand over to the Spanish Air Force.

Route of flypast to mark the forthcoming retirement of the Hercules from RAF service ......

 A flypast to mark the forthcoming retirement of the Hercules from RAF service will take place across all four nations of the United Kingdom on Wednesday 14 June.

The first Hercules arrived at Marshall’s of Cambridge in December 1966 Hercules. Since entering RAF service, originally with 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, it has operated across the globe in support of UK military and humanitarian relief operations.

Route plan

How the RAF's A400M fleet is serviced by a talented group of engineers known as ‘Team Atlas’

The UK's Royal Air Force took delivery of its 22nd A400M this week, to make the occasion, we take a look behind the scenes at the joint Airbus-RAF maintenance operations at RAF Brize Norton which help keep the Atlas A400M tactical and strategic airlift fleet flying.

The successful evacuation of 2,450 British nationals from war-torn Sudan by the Royal Air Force (RAF) last month has again demonstrated the unique capabilities of the A400M aircraft.

This week, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) took delivery of its 22nd ‘Atlas’ – as the aircraft is affectionately known – at ceremonies in Seville, Spain, where the aircraft is assembled, and RAF Brize Norton, where the UK fleet is based.

The delivery of MSN129 completes the RAF’s order for the A400M – the first Airbus Home Country to receive its full fleet, albeit with potential for more orders in the future. But Monday’s handover of the aircraft by no means marks the end of Airbus’ involvement with the 22-strong Atlas fleet.

Adjacent to the Brize Norton runway is a state-of-the-art, three-bay hangar, complete with modern, open-plan offices, meeting spaces, operation rooms and a communal canteen, where 250 Airbus engineers and support staff work alongside RAF personnel to provide maintenance services for the A400M fleet at the Oxfordshire base.

“The flexibility of the A400M coupled with improving availability and capability are demonstrating well what the A400M can do,” says Simon Haywood, Airbus’ Head of UK Support Centre at Brize Norton.

“The Humanitarian evacuation in Sudan was the latest example, where the aircraft’s superior capacity coupled with its ability to operate from short and often difficult operating surfaces helped evacuate UK nationals against a tight ceasefire window. We also saw how the A400M’s versatility supported humanitarian efforts in Turkey, Afghanistan, the Caribbean and other areas affected by natural disasters.

“My Airbus team and I are proud to be a fully-embedded constituent element of the A400M Whole Force and proud of the part we play in supporting the Air Mobility Force in delivering military capability for UK.”

Team Atlas at Brize is responsible for keeping the A400M serviced and flying through routine maintenance checks and longer-term servicing, known as C-checks. Airbus’ Ian Burrett, who oversees support centres for all Atlas operators, said: “Team Atlas has the capability to carry out light and heavy C-checks on the A400M fleet, as well as routine maintenance.

“The hangar at Brize Norton is one of the most modern maintenance facilities in the world and can take up to three aircraft at any one time. One bay is also designed to service an A330 MRTT in case it’s needed.”

Team Atlas embodies the Airbus Defence and Space philosophy of teams always being on duty to serve customers’, partners’ and society’s needs. Airbus products are used in the most extreme conditions, and have to be ready at a moment’s notice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The focus is always to ensure Airbus people can do their work effectively and to the highest standards.

Since entering RAF service in 2014, the A400M Atlas has repeatedly proven itself. It contributed fully to the military response to COVID, transporting patients, equipment and vaccines, ​​and has provided support to UK Defence operations around the globe. It has flown more missions and moved 1,000 more people than any other aircraft type for the RAF.

In addition, Atlas supports enduring operations in NATO Air Policing operations in the Baltic and, in the UK, Atlas has a 24/7 national standby commitment and has supported the UK Border Force with maritime reconnaissance (MRR) in the English Channel, long-range search and rescue (SAR) and ‘over watch’.

The RAF’s Mike Hadley runs operational assistance activities at Brize Norton and leads the planning for what the aircraft need to be doing on any particular day. He is also responsible for coordinating the training of pilots and loadmasters and ensuring the crews are ready to do the job the Ministry of Defence asks them to do.

In order to plan the fleet’s daily programme, Mike’s team works closely with Airbus engineers working as part of Team Atlas in the maintenance hangar, meeting twice a day for regular updates on the maintenance activities of the aircraft.

“We have a very close working relationship, starting with the daily 8.30 meeting with the engineers to understand how many aeroplanes we have got that day. It’s very much a joint enterprise and the spirit of Team Atlas is flourishing.

“The focus on predictable availability has meant I can plan ahead with more confidence. This is where the face-to-face meetings with the engineers has really helped. And the numbers are definitely steadier.”

And Mike, a qualified pilot instructor, is full of admiration for the A400M: “The aeroplane is superb. Just take Afghanistan for example: the number of people we were able to get into the back of the A400M compared to the Hercules and get them out of Kabul was incomparable.

“The performance of the aircraft compared to the Hercules – and I’ve flown Hercs for 20 years - you’re just not concerned about performance in a ‘hot and high’ situation with the A400M. And if you look at the operation we did to resupply fuel drums to the British Antarctic survey, in six days we accomplished what would previously have taken more than two weeks, simply because the A400M’s capacity and capability is so much better. It’s a fantastic aircraft and an absolute pleasure to fly.”

Permanent Representatives to NATO visits Operation Azotize

Permanent Representatives to NATO from nations across the Alliance recently attended Amari Airbase to witness the ongoing work of the RAF’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) who are undertaking NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission.

The UK’s Permanent Representative (PermRep) to NATO, David Quarrey CMG, discussed various current affairs matters with the EAW command team, including the current intelligence picture across NATO’s Eastern Flank and the upcoming NATO Summit at Vilnius. He also witnessed a training scramble involving IX (B) Sqn Typhoon fighter jets, showcasing the speed at which the RAF can respond to any potential threat.

Wg Cdr MacColl, CO 140 EAW said: "This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the work that we have already achieved here and the brilliant training opportunities that we have planned in the near future. I believe our discussions with Mr Quarrey regarding upcoming ACE exercises have given him an insight into the art of the possible within the wider NATO construct and how the Alliance can effectively deter, disperse and defend against any potential adversary."

2023 display season begins for Red Arrows

The new 2023 season of events is getting underway for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows who will be flying a more dynamic and updated display. During the season the team will perform more than 60 displays at various locations both in the UK and overseas.

The start of the season follows the Red Arrows being granted Public Display Authority (PDA) – a thorough, detailed assessment that concludes a training phase.  Squadron Leader Tom Bould, who is Red 1 and in his third year as Team Leader, said it was particularly satisfying to gain this validation given a much-reduced timescale to prepare for 2023. “I’m immensely proud to attain Public Display Authority with fantastic teamwork seen in every area of the Red Arrows.

It’s especially pleasing to achieve this feat in a shortened work-up period – the team usually has longer to train but only concluded its 2022 season in December, due to our return from a very successful tour to the Gulf and Egypt."

People watching the team at events in 2023 will spot the Wall arrival, with an arena-filling Union flag-coloured spectacle to announce the start of the display.  In patriotic tribute to the Coronation – where the Red Arrows were seen by a huge, global television audience carrying out a flypast over London – the front section of the team is performing a vertical break during the second half of the show, with red, white and blue smoke trails.

Squadron Leader Bould said: "What has not changed, however, this year is a focus on inspiring individuals of all ages and backgrounds with this display of teamwork.  Indeed, creating a safe, visually-appealing and world-class demonstration takes detailed planning, dedicated preparation and a pursuit of excellence by all involved – hallmarks found across the Royal Air Force."

The Red Arrows’ first show is at the Midlands Air Festival on June 2 and the last one of 2023 is in October.

RAF Typhoons And Poseidon take vital role In Nato Missile Defence exercise

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft have contributed to a massive NATO missile defence exercise over North Scotland and in the surrounding waters of the Atlantic and North Sea.

Taking place throughout May, Exercise Formidable Shield was led by the US Navy’s 6th Fleet and involved 13 NATO allied and partner nations practising operating against subsonic, supersonic and ballistic enemy assets using allied aircraft, ships and ground forces.

RAF Lossiemouth was a key location for the largest NATO exercise of its type to happen this year. The bi-annual exercise involved more than 20 ships, 35 aircraft and an array of ground units consisting of radars, surface-to-air missile systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems known as HIMARS and nearly 4,000 NATO personnel.

Captain “Uni” Nucciarellii, Chief Test Pilot for the Italian Air Force said: "This exercise has challenged our capabilities and made us a stronger fighting force, as we continue to adapt our tactics and procedures to evolving threats”. During the exercise, the Italian Air Force Typhoons successfully executed a Defence Counter Air tasking over the MOD Hebrides Range, an action used to counter an attack from an aerial enemy."

The Royal Air Force has taken delivery of the 22nd Atlas C1 (A400M) transport aircraft

The Royal Air Force has taken delivery of the 22nd Atlas C1 otherwise known as the A400M transport aircraft, completing the delivery development & production phase.

The four-engine turboprop aircraft touched down at its new home of RAF Brize Norton from Seville where the Atlas is assembled, including wings made in the United Kingdom.

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin CBE, Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group said:  "Recent events in Sudan have illustrated once again the importance of tactical air mobility. Operating from an austere airfield Atlas helped evacuate over 2200 entitled personnel and fly them to safety.

The latest aircraft, therefore, joins a fleet which is already proven on operations and utilised globally in support of UK interests.” Atlas has a fly-by-wire flight control system and full glass cockpit. It can carry a 37-tonne payload over 2,000nm to both established and remote civilian and military airfields. Its exceptional short field performance enables it to operate from short un-prepared as well as semi-prepared strips, all achievable whilst utilising night vision goggles."

Development of the platform will continue with aircraft cycling through a retro-fit programme to reach an operating configuration with significant commonality to that of the other A400M operators France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Benelux and Malaysia. In parallel, its tactical capability will continue to expand, including the full range of support to UK airborne forces.

Defence Equipment and Support is responsible for delivering the Atlas fleet and team leader Nick Moore said:   "Being in a position to hand over the final aircraft to the RAF was a great honour and I have done so on behalf of the entire A400M team at DE&S who have worked tirelessly alongside our colleagues at Airbus, OCCAR and the RAF to deliver this outstanding aircraft.

All of us can be rightly proud of our role in ensuring the RAF can transport troops and equipment where needed, both in support of military operations and critical humanitarian missions."

RAF Voyager refuels mid-air with Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Voyager aircraft powered by 43% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flies over the North Sea.

The aircraft used a blend of traditional fossil fuels and SAF such as cooking oil.

The flight marks the launch of a new aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap for commercial aviation.

 

The Royal Air Force has successfully completed a Voyager air-to-air refuelling flight, powered by an approximately 43% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Flying from RAF Brize Norton, over the North Sea and via Farnborough on its return home, the Voyager aircraft also undertook air-to-air refuelling with Typhoons, as part of planned training.

Made from waste-based sustainable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, SAF reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel and will be key to reducing the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains and fossil fuels, while improving operational resilience.

This significant moment follows a series of recent milestones achieved by the RAF towards a sustainable aviation future, including the world first RAF Voyager flight fuelled by 100% SAF.

Defence Minister, Baroness Goldie said: “Greater use of alternative and sustainable fuel can only lead to positive outcomes for Defence, the United Kingdom, and our collective endeavour against climate change.

“This is not an easy undertaking by the RAF, but time and again we see that by working collaboratively with our partners across industry we can achieve crucial transformation.”

Part of a two-day industry led conference – Sustainable Skies World Summit - the flight marks the UK aviation industry publishing its updated aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap outlining how commercial aviation will become more sustainable and commercially viable.

The annual event, hosted at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, brings together various partners from industry to showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and support efforts moving towards the implementation phase of meeting its net zero commitment.

Supporting the RAF’s ambitions to be Net Zero by 2040, the Voyager flight was part of an existing task from the Chief of the Air Staff to gather the required data to inform the longer-term transition away from fossil fuels.

The RAF has identified that using SAF and alternative aviation fuels will be critical for the future operational capability of the RAF and wider military aviation.

The UK's SAF programme is already one of the most comprehensive in the world and supports our vision to set the UK up to be a global leader in the development, production, and use of SAF.

Supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, new aviation technologies and fuels provide huge opportunities for economic growth, delivering jobs and prosperity across the country.