UK Protector fleet grows as trials continue

The Royal Air Force recently imported a second Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

Engineers from 31 Squadron have completed the build and initial testing of this second aircraft, prior to further test and evaluation, led by 56 Squadron over the coming months.

The RAF, working with Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) expect 5 more aircraft to be delivered by the end of this year as Protector prepares to establish Aircrew and Technician training in the UK this year and take over operations from Reaper (MQ-9A) in 2025.

The delivery of this aircraft completes a busy period for the Programme, with initial flight-testing using aircraft one conducted in November 2023. Initial training is taking place at GA-ASI’s facilities in the US, utilising three other RAF owned aircraft, where a Protector Technician Course began in February, and the first Protector crews graduated from Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) in April. Training will transition to the UK later this year utilising the first phase of infrastructure work recently completed at RAF Waddington, the home of Protector in the UK. An international MQ-9B symposium was hosted by the RAF at RAF Cranwell in April this year.

Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support said:  “Seeing delivery and assembly of the second Protector aircraft in the UK is yet another measure of the significant progress on this project and testament to the hard work of everyone involved.  Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the US (which remain in the US for use in trials and/or training), we have now taken delivery of five of the sixteen aircraft we have ordered.”

RAF Typhoon completes first public display on blend of sustainable fuel

Last weekend the RAF Typhoon made history when it completed its first public display on a blend of sustainable fuel and regular jet fuel at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).

The aircraft’s eight-minute display, flown by Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull, flew on a 35% blend of sustainable fuel in collaboration with RIAT under the airshow’s theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’.

RAF Typhoons are highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft and capable of speeds of nearly 1,400 mph.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, UK’s most prestigious airshow, welcomes 150,000 people to RAF Fairford every year with all proceeds from the event being donated to its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.

Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris, Director Support said:  “The Royal Air Force was delighted to be able to perform a world first at RIAT, displaying a UK combat aircraft using a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

Having cleared all of our aircraft to use blends of up to 50% in 2020, and conducting the world’s first military transport aircraft flight on 100% SAF in 2022, we remain at the forefront of this important work with industry partners.

Command changes at UK Space Command and US Space Force

The Special Relationship between the United Kingdom and United States is built upon the common language, beliefs and cultures of both nations. Over time, it has been enhanced through shared military endeavours, which for the past 75 years have been bolstered further by our enduring partnership within NATO.

One of the latest examples of the special relationship working in practice has seen Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, the inaugural commander of UK Space Command, crossing the Atlantic to take up a new role with the US Space Force.  

In an unprecedented move, Air Marshal Godfrey took up the role of Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships on 17th June 2024. He will advise General Chance Saltzman, the Chief of US Space Operations on everything related to achieving space superiority and resilience through international partnerships.

“I am privileged to be appointed as the Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships. Space is a team sport, and we cannot hope to maintain Competitive Endurance in the domain without a coalition of like-minded space-faring nations committed to responsible space behaviours. I am incredibly proud to be part of that team.”

“I am grateful to AM Godfrey for the fantastic job he has done, taking UK Space Command from inception to being an integral and capable part of UK and global defence and welcome his successor, Major General Tedman."

Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton

Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton said: “The US is one of our closest partners in the space domain and I congratulate AM Godfrey on his appointment to the US Space Force, which will strengthen the special relationship we have with our US allies. He’s exactly the right person for the job and I look forward to our nations continuing to work together to maintain superiority in the space domain.”

UK's Royal Air Force participates in major Pacific exercise

Royal Air Force personnel and aircraft have deployed to Hawaii for the largest military training exercise in the region.

Two Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) maritime patrol aircraft have arrived at Hickam Air Force Base to join over 25,000 personnel from 28 other nations participating in Rim of the Pacific 24 (RIMPAC).

The aircraft departed RAF Lossiemouth in early July at the start of a 7,000 nautical mile journey to Honolulu via a refuelling stop at Goose Bay, Canada, and overnight stay near Seattle. On arrival they were greeted by Indian Navy Captain A K Singh, Deputy Commander of Combined Task Force 172 for the exercise.

The biennial exercise and will see members of CXX and 201 Squadrons fly and train alongside other maritime patrol squadrons, fighter aircraft, 40 surface ships and three submarines. Engineering and operations support personnel will also operate alongside multinational colleagues, with others embedded within the exercise headquarters.

Group Captain Pete Thorbjornsen, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, 11 Group RAF said:  “We work closely with allied and partner nations in the Indo-Asia Pacific to improve Inter-operability, enhance security and provide disaster relief in humanitarian crises. RIMPAC will help strengthen and reinforce these relationships and demonstrates our commitment to a free and open region.”

RAF Appoints New Provost Marshal

Group Captain Samantha Bunn has been appointed as the new Provost Marshal (RAF) and Commander of the Air Security Force.

As Provost Marshal (RAF) Group Captain Bunn will be Chief of the RAF Police and is responsible to the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Force Main Board for police investigations and the exercise of police authority. The RAF Police plays a central role in maintaining the security and resilience of the RAF by providing a unique blend of Law Enforcement, Counter Intelligence, Protective Security, which includes Military Working Dogs and, Aviation Security. Our Regular and Reserve military personnel, our civil servants and our contractors work continuously to protect, secure and enable the RAF to carry out successful Air and Space operations in the United Kingdom and across the world.

Group Captain Samantha Bunn said: “My appointment as the Provost Marshal (RAF) and Commander of the Air Security Force is the greatest honour for a member of the RAF Police fraternity. To lead the exceptional personnel of the RAF Police, MPGS, Civil Servants and Reservists within the Air Security Force is something I am incredibly proud of and look forward to the next 2 years where we will continue to enable Air and Space commands in the delivery of operations at home and across the globe."

Group Captain Bunn joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment in 1995 prior to entering Regular service in 1998 as a Weapons Technician. Commissioning as a Provost Officer in 2003 she has served in a variety of appointments in the UK and Overseas. As a Special Investigations Branch Officer, she contributed to several high-profile investigations nationally and globally including the Peer Case Review which contributed to the Haddon-Cave Report. More recently, she commanded Number 2 RAF Police and Security Wing where she aligned the Wing to secure and protect 5th generation capabilities.

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RAF Fighter Squadron arrives in Romania

RAF Fighter Squadron arrives in Romania to co-lead NATO Air Policing mission

Royal Air Force fighter jets have started protecting NATO’s eastern flank, close to the Black Sea, following a handover ceremony held on 9th April in Romania. 

Six RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft are taking part in the four-month mission, with jets from IX (Bomber) Squadron, along with more than two hundred RAF personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (140EAW) deployed from RAF Lossiemouth to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania. They will fly alongside the Romanian Air Force as part of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission until August.

The air policing mission begins this week following a ceremony today, 9th April, involving RAF personnel, their Romanian counterparts, and NATO officials. The personnel involved in the mission will be on standby at a moment’s notice to launch Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) intercepts of Russian aircraft approaching NATO airspace.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:  “Our NATO air policing deployment helps to keep Europe’s skies secure, and I pay tribute to the dedicated personnel delivering this important mission.

Ready to launch at a moment’s notice for the next four months, the Typhoon pilots will respond with professionalism to threats and incidents in support of our collective security. 

We’re showing the scale of our commitment to NATO in its 75th year, with deployments like this and thousands of personnel operating and exercising across the alliance to keep the UK and our allies safe.”

The countries involved in NATO’s air policing missions rotate on a regular basis, with the RAF having flown to intercept more than 50 Russian aircraft in the first half of last year while leading the Alliance’s enhanced air policing mission from Estonia. This will be the fifth time the RAF have participated in the air policing mission in Romania.

UK first as electric aircraft helps turn Moray Flying Club green

RAF Lossiemouth’s Moray Flying Club has begun flying a new electric aircraft, putting it on track to become the UK’s first recreational flying club to offer direct carbon emission-free initial pilot training.
The new Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft - callsign ‘MORAY 01 ELECTRIC’ - took to the skies on Sunday 24 March 2024 for its first training flight. 
Moray Flying Club (MFC) recently leased the aircraft from electric-flying specialists NEBOair, as part of a drive to reduce the environmental and noise impact of their flying. The aircraft is powered by electricity from the grid, like an electric car.
The innovation will mean that students can reach their first solo flight without direct carbon emissions.

Other green-minded moves have enabled MFC to further cut emissions, with the use of a NEBOair-supplied Virtual Reality simulator cutting down on the overall number of flying hours needed to achieve a full private pilot’s licence.
The Club has also replaced two older aircraft with Rotax-engine aircraft that use lower-lead fuel and are much quieter.
MFC estimate that the new innovations will slash their emissions by around 30%, which they say is just the start.

Squadron Leader David Taudevin, Officer-in-charge, Moray Flying Club.  "As the RAF seeks to achieve Net Zero by 2040, ahead of the UK’s 2050 target, our recreational flying clubs need to play their part and so we’re delighted that our electric aircraft has taken to the skies.
This is a momentous occasion for us as a club and represents a big leap forward into a new world of sustainable aviation, helping Moray Flying Club’s students learn to fly in a cleaner, greener way.
While these innovations are already helping our Club significantly reduce its environmental and noise impact, cutting our direct emissions is only the first step. We hope that by sharing our experience with other military and civilian flying clubs we can help drive the recreational flying sector towards Net Zero."

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Ever wondered how much fuel RAF aircraft use?......................RAF Energise

When you think of the cost of filling up your car, and how far you will get on a full tank, have you ever wondered how much fuel RAF aircraft use?

During a recent Exercise in France, personnel from RAF Global Enablement Support Force distributed over 500,000 litres of aviation fuel.

L'armée de l’air (France) invited RAF Atlas aircraft to this international Air Livex, Exercise Volfa 24, based in France, with other participating nations – Canada, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UAE.

Alongside aircraft, Global Enablement’s No. 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, 5001 Squadron Engineers and No. 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron specialists were also asked to participate in Exercise Energise Volfa. The aim was to train together as a coalition in a complex air environment facing a high-level near peer threat. By building on Tactical Aviation refuelling capability, the RAF will remain ready to fly and fight across the globe 24 hours a day.

This was a French Service de l’Énergie Opérationelle (SEO) exercise running alongside the wider Exercise Volfa, with collaboration from the UK Operational Energy Authority (OEA). UK participation was under the auspices of the Franco-British Fuels Co-operation agreement, set up by DSFA (now the OEA) with the French SEA (now the SEO) and run actively by those organisations. The UK participation was a trial, and it's hoped that lessons identified can be used to inform the NATO Modular Combined Petroleum Capability (MCPC) Co-ordination Board, which the UK is Chair of.

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3200 mile row across the Atlantic completed by RAF Regiment Gunners

3200 miles. 61 days. 19 hours. 14 minutes. That’s how long it took the Atlantic Rocks team to row from Lanzarote to Antigua in their boat, Sentinel, covering an incredible 3200 nautical miles.

An already challenging endeavour was made all the more difficult by weather conditions and several obstacles the team had to adapt and overcome throughout the journey.

Pictured left, all four rowers standing on the boat celebrating after the row, photo RAF.
These started when the EFOY (fuel cell) fitted to Sentinel encountered servicing issues within the first week of the crossing, which unfortunately couldn't be fixed remotely, this meant that the team had to hand and foot steer and navigate Sentinel during the day with minimal power systems, to conserve the solar power. This then allowed them to use the digital navigation systems during darkness hours through solar power generated during the day.
Overcoming the initial issues presented by the lack of EFOY was exacerbated by the 7-knot headwinds and low pressure, which made the conditions feel like the team were rowing through treacle. The team routinely rowed 40-50 nautical miles per day even through these conditions, with the weather router suggesting these were the most challenging conditions they'd encountered in 25 years!
Despite battling extremely difficult conditions for the entire row, with their journey exceeding the presumed length, the team supported the University of Michigan in their battle to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans. For example, by taking water samples and recording the latitude and longitude of where the samples were collected. These samples have now been sent to the university, to measure plastic pollution across the South Atlantic.

During the row the team came up against issues with their BGAN - used for remote Internet connectivity. Originally, it was believed the issues would rectify once in range of the westernly satellite, however, it was then determined that damage had occurred - likely in a storm - that couldn't be fixed remotely. This not only meant that media for the teams' social media couldn't be received for most of their row, but also meant that the team's communication with the outside world was limited and sadly they had limited access to any music, hampering morale slightly.
One night, the team even had a close encounter with a large tanker. They noticed the tanker was heading into their way of passage, and to avoid a potentially catastrophic event, the team tried to contact the tanker via radio multiple times, to no avail. Finally, the tanker responded and moved out of the way, roughly 100m from their vessel. Dynamic and fast thinking saw the team act with efficiency and professionalism, avoiding what could've been a much worse outcome.








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To find out more about their remarkable journey and learn more about the charities they're supporting visit: https://atlantic.rocks/.

The Centurion Fund | Supporting the RAF Regiment’s History & Traditions

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity

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. 

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

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.”   

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 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.

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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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."

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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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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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”.

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.