RAF

RAF’s VIP Voyager resumes tanker operations

The RAF’s recently unveiled, special schemed Voyager KC2 – which will represent the UK in a VIP transport role – returned to its primary role in providing air-to-air refuelling (AAR) operations on June 26.

RAF unveils new scheme for VIP Voyager

The RAF has rolled out a specially painted Airbus A330 Voyager KC2 multi-role tanker/transport for special use as a VIP transport for senior UK government officials and members of the Royal Family.

Joint UK-Qatari Typhoon unit takes flight

The Royal Air Force (RAF) and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) have commenced flying operations under No 12 Squadron, a joint force Eurofighter Typhoon unit based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

RAF adapts BAe 146 CC3s for medical use

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has announced that a pair of BAe 146 CC3 tactical transports – operated by No 32 (The Royal) Squadron from RAF Northolt in west London – have been modified to provide a medical mission.

UK extends Chinook deployment in Mali

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has once again extended the deployment of Royal Air Force (RAF)-operated Chinook HC5 helicopters and personnel to Mali.

UK deploys first operational F-35Bs aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth

For the first time, the UK has deployed operational Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters aboard the Royal Navy’s (RN’s) HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) aircraft carrier.

RAF’s Newest Helicopter

The RAF’s 32 (The Royal) Sqn took delivery of a new Agusta Westland AW109SP GrandNew helicopter in early February.

RAF Typhoons intercept Russian Il-20M near Lithuania

Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4s – currently deployed to Lithuania in support of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission – have carried out their first intercept of a Russian military aircraft.

Boeing grows RAF Wedgetail industry team

Leonardo, STS Aviation Services and Thales have been selected by Boeing to join a UK-based industry team that will deliver five E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

RAF Typhoons train with USAF B-1B over North Sea

Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a training exercise with a USAF-operated Rockwell B-1B Lancer supersonic-capable strategic bomber over the North Sea.

RAF Chinooks pass flight hour milestone in Mali ops

British CH-47 Chinook HC5 heavy-lift tactical transport helicopters deployed in Mali, West Africa, have flown more than 2,000 operational flight hours in support of French-led counterinsurgency missions.

UK MoD plots Red Arrows move to RAF Waddington

Plans to relocate the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) world-renowned aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, to RAF Waddington – following the closure of its current home, RAF Scampton – have been announced by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).