15 August, 2023
Royal Air Force Falcons carry out parachute display from C-17 Globemaster
14 August, 2023
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.
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."
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."
08 August, 2023
Royal Air Force Atlas shows its range during Pacific air exercise
04 August, 2023
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
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."
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"
17 July, 2023
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.
15 July, 2023
Lithuanian Airports passed a historic test - successfully hosting the World's leaders during NATO Summit
During the NATO Summit, the Vilnius Airport had become probably the most secure civilian airport in the world. The joint efforts of the specialists of the Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga Airports and a total of more than 1,000 professionals from various authorities and countries were aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth landing and take-off of more than 50 special aircraft as well as the reception and farewelling of several thousand important guests.
According to the calculations of Lithuanian Airports, during the peak of the aircraft traffic, planes (commercial and carrying delegations) took off and landed at the Vilnius Airport every 3–4 minutes.
The Kaunas Airport also received more aeroplanes than usual next to the regular commercial flight traffic. Here, the constant receipt and take-offs of delegation aircraft also took place. In addition, the airspace at the Kaunas Airport was not closed, therefore all processes took place continuously throughout the days of the Summit.
A significant number of the NATO Summit’s guest planes were large aircraft, categorized as codes E and F which usually visit our airports less often, such as “the flying presidential palaces” Air Force One carrying the President of the United States (and accompanying special aircraft) or an even larger Boeing 747-8I that flew the President of South Korea. At the Kaunas Airport, one of the most exclusive aircraft received was the Japanese delegation’s Boeing 777.
“During the active preparation for the event that lasted for more than half a year, every step and detail was carefully thought through, and many processes were aligned and coordinated to ensure the highest level of security and efficiency of the operations. The Vilnius Airport received all the scheduled aircraft, including even the largest ones. Not only that – commercial flights were also conducted in both Vilnius and Kaunas until the scheduled temporary closure of the airspace. No, having seen off the last delegations, we can state that no significant problems arose, and we passed this most important test through cooperation,” said Vidas Kšanas, Interim CEO at Lithuanian Airports.
12 July, 2023
£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.
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."
10 July, 2023
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.
Mountain Rescue Service personnel abseiling with a stretcher |
RAF to provide specialist firefighting vehicles and training to Ukraine's firefighters as war surpasses 500 days
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "These specialist firefighting vehicles will boost Ukraine’s ability to protect its infrastructure from Russia’s campaign of missile and drone attacks and continue our support for Ukraine, for as long as it takes."
Defence Chief Fire Officer, Sim Nex, said: "The Defence Fire and Rescue family are extremely proud of the specialist support which we have been able to facilitate.We are confident that the equipment provided to date, and associated training, will directly enhance firefighting capability, as we consider further opportunities to support the Ukrainian Military Fire Service moving forward."
Air Commodore Jamie Thompson, Commander Global Enablement said: "Support to Ukraine, through training and the provision of equipment, remains a priority of RAF Global Enablement. We are proud to work alongside our allies in this effort, supplying specialist equipment and training to assure the safety of the Ukrainian people."
06 July, 2023
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
05 July, 2023
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.
27 June, 2023
RAF jets intercept 21 Russian aircraft near NATO airspace
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."
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."
13 June, 2023
Route of flypast to mark the forthcoming retirement of the Hercules from RAF service ......
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
27 May, 2023
How the RAF's A400M fleet is serviced by a talented group of engineers known as ‘Team Atlas’
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.
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.
23 May, 2023
RAF Typhoons And Poseidon take vital role In Nato Missile Defence exercise
22 May, 2023
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.