Royal Air Force

{{Further|List of Royal Air Force operations}}

{{Main|History of the Royal Air Force}}

{{anchor|Air Force (Constitution) Act 1917}}

{{Infobox UK legislation

| short_title = Air Force (Constitution) Act 1917

| type = Act

| parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom

| long_title = An Act to make provision for the establishment, administration, and discipline of an Air Force, the establishment of an Air Council, and for purposes connected therewith.

| year = 1917

| citation = 7 & 8 Geo. 5. c. 51

| introduced_commons =

| introduced_lords =

| territorial_extent =

| royal_assent = 29 November 1917

| commencement =

| expiry_date =

| repeal_date =

| amends =

| replaces =

| amendments = {{ubli|Statute Law Revision Act 1927|Auxiliary Forces Act 1953|Revision of the Army and Air Force Acts (Transitional Provisions) Act 1955|Naval Discipline Act 1957|Defence (Transfer of Functions) Act 1964|Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1976|Armed Forces Act 1981|Armed Forces Act 2006}}

| repealing_legislation =

| related_legislation =

| status = current

| legislation_history =

| theyworkforyou =

| millbankhansard =

| original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5/7-8/51/contents/enacted

| revised_text =

| use_new_UK-LEG =

| UK-LEG_title = Air Force (Constitution) Act 1917

| collapsed = yes

}}

The Royal Air Force was formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, becoming the third independent air force in the world after the Mexican Air Force (established 5 February 1915){{cite web|url=http://www.sedena.gob.mx/index.php?id_art=337 |title=Los Orígenes |publisher=Sedena.gob.mx |access-date=2012-10-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426210925/http://www.sedena.gob.mx/index.php?id_art=337 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |df=mdy }} and the Finnish Air Force (established 6 March 1918),Keskinen, Kalevi, Partonen, Kyösti & Stenman, Kari: Suomen ilmavoimat I 1918–1927. Tietoteos, 2005. ISBN 952-99432-2-9. by merging the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/raftimeline19181929.cfm |title=RAF Timeline 1918–1929 |year=2011 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812113116/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/raftimeline19181929.cfm |archive-date=12 August 2012 }} This was done as recommended in a report prepared by the South African statesman and general Jan Smuts.{{cite web |last=Dickens |first=Peter |date=April 2018 |title=The Royal Air Force's 100th Birthday and its founder – Jan Smuts |url=https://samilhistory.com/2018/04/01/the-royal-air-forces-100th-birthday-and-its-founder-jan-smuts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707230451/https://samilhistory.com/2018/04/01/the-royal-air-forces-100th-birthday-and-its-founder-jan-smuts/ |archive-date=7 July 2018 |access-date=2018-07-13 |website=The Observation Post }} At that time it was the largest air force in the world. Its headquarters was located in the former Hotel Cecil.{{cite web|url=https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/raf-memorial|title=Plaque: RAF Memorial|publisher=London Remembers|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901004721/https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/raf-memorial|url-status=live}}

After the war, the RAF was drastically cut and its inter-war years were relatively quiet. The RAF was put in charge of British military activity in Iraq, and carried out minor activities in other parts of the British Empire, including establishing bases to protect Singapore and Malaya.{{sfn|Spencer|2020|pp=62, 63}} The RAF's naval aviation branch, the Fleet Air Arm, was founded in 1924 but handed over to Admiralty control on 24 May 1939.{{cite web|url=http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/pages/fleet_air_arm_history/history.shtml|title=History of Fleet Air Arm Officers Association, FAAOA|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418115613/http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/pages/fleet_air_arm_history/history.shtml|archive-date=18 April 2012|url-status=live}}

The RAF adopted the doctrine of strategic bombing, which led to the construction of long-range bombers and became its main bombing strategy in the Second World War.Tami Davis Biddle, "British and American Approaches to Strategic Bombing: Their Origins and Implementation in the World War II Combined Bomber Offensive." Journal of Strategic Studies, March 1995, Vol. 18 Issue 1, pp 91–144; Tami Davis Biddle, Rhetoric and Reality in Air Warfare: The Evolution of British and American Ideas about Strategic Bombing, 1914–1945 (2002)

{{Further|Air warfare of World War II}}File:Spitfire P7350 (front) flies alongside Hurricane LF363 (back).jpg and Hurricane, which both played major roles in the Battle of Britain.]]

The Royal Air Force underwent rapid expansion prior to and during the Second World War. Under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan of December 1939, the air forces of British Commonwealth countries trained and formed "Article XV squadrons" for service with RAF formations. Many individual personnel from these countries, and exiles from occupied Europe, also served with RAF squadrons. By the end of the war the Royal Canadian Air Force had contributed more than 30 squadrons to serve in RAF formations, similarly, approximately a quarter of Bomber Command's personnel were Canadian.{{cite web|url=http://www.rcaf.com/archives/archives_features/history/waryears.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911234607/http://www.rcaf.com/archives/archives_features/history/waryears.php|url-status=dead|title=RCAF.com : Archives : RCAF History : The War Years|date=21 May 2006|archive-date=11 September 2012|access-date=22 July 2017}} Additionally, the Royal Australian Air Force represented around nine per cent of all RAF personnel who served in the European and Mediterranean theatres.{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/raaf/explore.html|title=Explore: 'The Angry Sky'|work=ww2australia.gov.au|access-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711010358/http://ww2australia.gov.au/raaf/explore.html|archive-date=11 July 2009|url-status=dead}}

During the Battle of Britain in 1940, the RAF defended the skies over Britain against the numerically superior German {{Lang|de|Luftwaffe}}. In what is perhaps the most prolonged and complicated air campaign in history, the Battle of Britain contributed significantly to the delay and subsequent indefinite postponement of Operation Sea Lion, Hitler's plans for an invasion of the UK. In the House of Commons on 20 August, prompted by the ongoing efforts of the RAF, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a speech to the nation, where he said "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".{{cite web |url=http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/quotations/famous-quotations-and-stories |title=The Few |date=March 2009 |publisher=The Churchill Centre |access-date=29 April 2011 |quote="The gratitude of every home in our island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the world war by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304083839/http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/quotations/famous-quotations-and-stories |archive-date=4 March 2012 |url-status=live }}

File:100 years of the RAF MOD 45163640.jpg heavy bomber was extensively used during the strategic bombing of Germany.]]

The largest RAF effort during the war was the strategic bombing campaign against Germany by Bomber Command. While RAF bombing of Germany began almost immediately upon the outbreak of war at first it was ineffectual; it was only later, particularly under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Harris, that these attacks became increasingly devastating, from early 1943 onward, as new technology and greater numbers of superior aircraft became available.{{cite book |last1=Overy |first1=Richard |title=The Bombing War |date=2013 |publisher=Penguin |page=322}} The RAF adopted night-time area bombing on German cities such as Hamburg and Dresden. Night time area bombing constituted the great bulk of the RAF's bombing campaign, mainly due to Harris, but it also developed precision bombing techniques for specific operations, such as the infamous "Dambusters" raid by No. 617 Squadron,Paul Brickhill, The Dambusters or the Amiens prison raid known as Operation Jericho.{{cite web |publisher=RAF |title=Attack on Amiens Prison, 18th February 1944 |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/amiens.html |year=2004 |access-date=1 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101145837/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/amiens.html |archive-date=1 January 2007}}

{{Further|Cold War}} {{Main|Structure of the Royal Air Force in 1989}}

Following victory in the Second World War, the RAF underwent significant re-organisation, as technological advances in air warfare saw the arrival of jet fighters and bombers. During the early stages of the Cold War, one of the first major operations undertaken by the RAF was the Berlin Airlift, codenamed Operation Plainfire. Between 26 June 1948 and the lifting of the Soviet blockade of the city on 12 May 1949, the RAF provided 17% of the total supplies delivered, using Avro Yorks, Douglas Dakotas flying to Gatow Airport and Short Sunderlands flying to Lake Havel.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/rafhistorytimeline194549.cfm |title=RAF Timeline 1945–1949 |year=2011 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812131151/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/rafhistorytimeline194549.cfm |archive-date=12 August 2012 }} The RAF saw its first post-war engagements in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War: during the withdrawal of the former Mandatory Palestine in May 1948 where British Supermarine Spitfire FR.18s shot down four Royal Egyptian Air Force Spitfire LF.9s after the REAF mistakenly attacked RAF Ramat David airbase;Aloni 2001, p. 10. and during encounters with the Israeli Air Force which saw the loss of a single de Havilland Mosquito PR.34 in November 1948 and four Spitfire FR.18s and a single Hawker Tempest F.6 in January 1949.{{cite web |url=https://spyflight.co.uk/operations/#IsraelvRAF |title=Israel v the RAF |website=Spy Flight |access-date=30 April 2023}}Aloni 2001, pp. 18, 22.

Before Britain developed its own nuclear weapons, the RAF was provided with American nuclear weapons under Project E. However, following the development of its own arsenal, the British Government elected on 16 February 1960 to share the country's nuclear deterrent between the RAF and submarines of the Royal Navy, first deciding to concentrate solely on the air force's V bomber fleet. These were initially armed with nuclear gravity bombs, later being equipped with the Blue Steel missile. Following the development of the Royal Navy's Polaris submarines, the strategic nuclear deterrent passed to the navy's submarines on 30 June 1969.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/rafhistorytimeline196069.cfm |title=RAF Timeline 1960–1969 |year=2011 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812132827/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/rafhistorytimeline196069.cfm |archive-date=12 August 2012 }} With the introduction of Polaris, the RAF's strategic nuclear role was reduced to a tactical one, using WE.177 gravity bombs. This tactical role was continued by the V bombers into the 1980s and until 1998 by the Panavia Tornado GR1.Burnell, Brian. [http://nuclear-weapons.info/images/1984.PNG "Weapon detail and No. 15 Squadron data for 1984."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010045955/http://nuclear-weapons.info/images/1984.PNG |date=10 October 2017 }} nuclear-weapons.info. Retrieved 19 January 2011.[http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/65F3D7AC-4340-4119-93A2-20825848E50E/0/sdr1998_complete.pdf "Strategic Defence Review 1998: Full Report."] {{webarchive|url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/65F3D7AC-4340-4119-93A2-20825848E50E/0/sdr1998_complete.pdf |date=26 October 2012 }} Ministry of Defence, 1998, p. 24.

File:100 years of the RAF MOD 45163618.jpg was used to carry both conventional and nuclear bombs.]]

For much of the Cold War the primary role of the RAF was the defence of Western Europe against potential attack by the Soviet Union, with many squadrons based in West Germany. The main RAF bases in RAF(G) were RAF Brüggen, RAF Gutersloh, RAF Laarbruch and RAF Wildenrath – the only air defence base in RAF(G). With the decline of the British Empire, global operations were scaled back, and RAF Far East Air Force was disbanded on 31 October 1971.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rafweb.org/Cmd_O3.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806113118/http://www.rafweb.org/Cmd_O3.htm|url-status=dead|title=Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation – Overseas Commands – Iraq, India and the Far East|archive-date=6 August 2008}} Despite this, the RAF fought in many battles in the Cold War period. In June 1948, the RAF commenced Operation Firedog against Malayan pro-independence fighters during the Malayan Emergency.{{cite web|url=http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1500005266|title=Operation Firedog : air support in the Malayan Emergency, 1948–1960|publisher=Imperial war Museum|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231213455/http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1500005266|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=live}} Operations continued for the next 12 years until 1960 with aircraft flying out of RAF Tengah and RAF Butterworth. The RAF played a minor role in the Korean War, with flying boats taking part.{{cite web|url=http://www.rafseletar.co.uk/flying-squadrons/seletars-sunderlands/|title=Seletar's Sunderlands|publisher=RAF Seletar|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614203049/http://www.rafseletar.co.uk/flying-squadrons/seletars-sunderlands/|archive-date=14 June 2018|url-status=live}} From 1953 to 1956 the RAF Avro Lincoln squadrons carried out anti-Mau Mau operations in Kenya using its base at RAF Eastleigh.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/flying-officer-jack-sherburn-pilot-awarded-a-dfc-for-his-gallantry-against-the-mau-mau-who-went-on-9681933.html|title=Flight Lieutenant Jack Sherburn: Pilot awarded a DFC for his gallantry against the Mau Mau who went on to serve in Suez and fly with Yuri Gagarin|date=20 August 2014|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101030003/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/flying-officer-jack-sherburn-pilot-awarded-a-dfc-for-his-gallantry-against-the-mau-mau-who-went-on-9681933.html|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status=live}} The Suez Crisis in 1956 saw a large RAF role, with aircraft operating from RAF Akrotiri and RAF Nicosia on Cyprus and RAF Luqa and RAF Hal Far on Malta as part of Operation Musketeer.{{cite web|url=http://britains-smallwars.com/suez/untis.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205130842/http://britains-smallwars.com/suez/untis.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2009|title=Suez Crisis|publisher=Britain's small wars|access-date=31 December 2017}} The RAF suffered its most recent loss to an enemy aircraft during the Suez Crisis, when an English Electric Canberra PR7 was shot down over Syria.{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/21034 |title=Accident English Electric Canberra PR.7 WH799, 06 Nov 1956 |website=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525091907/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/21034 |url-status=live }}

In 1957, the RAF participated heavily during the Jebel Akhdar War in Oman, operating both de Havilland Venom and Avro Shackleton aircraft. The RAF made 1,635 raids, dropping 1,094 tons and firing 900 rockets at the interior of Oman between July and December 1958, targeting insurgents, mountain top villages and water channels in a war that remained under low profile.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/sep/08/britains-secret-wars-oman|title=Britain's secret wars | Ian Cobain|date=8 September 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=4 November 2021|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106172444/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/sep/08/britains-secret-wars-oman|url-status=live}}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wkUhBQAAQBAJ&q=moff%20oman&pg=PT43|title=Oman's Insurgencies: The Sultanate's Struggle for Supremacy|first=J. E.|last=Peterson|date=2013|publisher=Saqi|isbn=9780863567025|access-date=29 April 2018|via=Google Books|archive-date=23 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123033723/https://books.google.com/books?id=wkUhBQAAQBAJ&q=moff+oman&pg=PT43|url-status=live}} The Konfrontasi against Indonesia in the early 1960s did see use of RAF aircraft, but due to a combination of deft diplomacy and selective ignoring of certain events by both sides, it never developed into a full-scale war.{{cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19660812-1.2.2|title=Confrontation Ends|newspaper=Straits Times|date=12 August 1966|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231214636/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19660812-1.2.2|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=live}} The RAF played a large role in the Aden Emergency between 1963 and 1967. Hawker Hunter FGA.9s based at RAF Khormaksar, Aden, were regularly called in by the British Army as close air support to carry out strikes on rebel positions.Ritchie 2011, p. 87. The Radfan Campaign (Operation Nutcracker) in early 1964 was successful in suppressing the revolt in Radfa, however it did nothing to end the insurgency with the British withdrawing from Aden in November 1967.Ritchie 2011, pp. 86–87, 89, 92.

One of the largest actions undertaken by the RAF during the Cold War was the air campaign during the 1982 Falklands War, in which the RAF operated alongside the Fleet Air Arm. During the war, RAF aircraft were deployed in the mid-Atlantic at RAF Ascension Island and a detachment from No. 1 Squadron was deployed with the Royal Navy, operating from the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes.Ashworth 1989, p. 26.Evans 1998, pp. 74–75. RAF pilots also flew missions using the Royal Navy's Sea Harriers in the air-to-air combat role, in particular Flight Lieutenant Dave Morgan the highest scoring pilot of the war.{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-history.net/F64argaircraftlost.htm |title=Argentine Aircraft Lost – Falklands War 1982 |publisher=Naval-history.net |date=15 June 1982 |access-date=23 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529052308/http://www.naval-history.net/F64argaircraftlost.htm |archive-date=29 May 2009 |url-status=live }} Following a British victory, the RAF remained in the South Atlantic to provide air defence to the Falkland Islands, with the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 based at RAF Mount Pleasant which was built in 1984.{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/22/332609/raf-typhoons-arrive-for-falkland-islands-mission.html |title=RAF Typhoons arrive for Falkland Islands mission – 9/22/2009 |publisher=Flight Global |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226141143/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/22/332609/raf-typhoons-arrive-for-falkland-islands-mission.html |archive-date=26 December 2010 |url-status=live }}

File:Panavia Tornado GR4 3 (5969081340).jpg played an integral part in RAF operations from 1991 until its retirement in 2019]]

With the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the RAF's focus returned to expeditionary air power.[http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/ExpeditionaryAirForce.cfm Royal Air Force: Expeditionary Air Force] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214013653/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/ExpeditionaryAirForce.cfm |date=14 February 2014 }}, raf.mod.uk Since 1990, the RAF has been involved in several large-scale operations, including the 1991 Gulf War,{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/01/17/desert-storm-25th-anniversary-tornado-recce-first-gulf-war/|title=Gulf War 25th anniversary special: a quick look at the RAF Tornado's reconnaissance missions over Iraq|publisher=Aviationist|date=17 January 2016|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212804/https://theaviationist.com/2016/01/17/desert-storm-25th-anniversary-tornado-recce-first-gulf-war/|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=live}} the 1999 Kosovo War,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/apr/25/balkans|title=RAF 'nearly ran out of bombs' in Kosovo|date=25 April 2000|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212150/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/apr/25/balkans|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=live}} the 2001 War in Afghanistan,Tornados Bound for Kandahar, Air Forces Monthly, August 2008 issue, p. 8. the 2003 invasion and war in Iraq,{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/83eag/903eaw/|title=903 Expeditionary Air Wing|publisher=Royal Air Force (RAF)|access-date=21 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318060757/http://www.raf.mod.uk/83eag/903eaw/|archive-date=18 March 2015}} the 2011 intervention in Libya{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8468456/MOD-rushes-new-transport-plane-into-service-for-operations.html|title=MOD rushes new transport plane into service for operations|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=22 April 2011|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101025912/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8468456/MOD-rushes-new-transport-plane-into-service-for-operations.html|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status=live}} and from 2014 onwards has been involved in the war against the Islamic State.{{cite web |first=Sian |last=Grzeszczyk |url=https://www.forces.net/operations/eight-years-operation-shader |title=Eight years of Operation Shader: The UK's mission against IS |website=forces.net |date=26 September 2022 |access-date=24 April 2023}}

The RAF began conducting Remotely-piloted Air System (RPAS) operations in 2004, with No. 1115 Flight carrying out missions in Afghanistan and Iraq with the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator.{{cite web |url=https://www.ga.com/reaper-takes-to-the-air |title=Reaper Takes to the Air |website=General Atomics |date=8 November 2007 |access-date=2 May 2023}} Initially embedded with the United States Air Force, the RAF formed its own RPAS squadron in 2007 when No. 39 Squadron was stood up as a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper unit at Creech AFB, Nevada.{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Hoyle |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/uk-cheers-the-reaper-uav/80945.article |title=UK cheers the Reaper UAV |website=Flight Global |date=16 June 2008 |access-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202122523/https://www.flightglobal.com/uk-cheers-the-reaper-uav/80945.article |archive-date=2 February 2023}}

The RAF's 90th anniversary was commemorated on 1 April 2008 by a flypast of the RAF's Aerobatic Display Team the Red Arrows and four Eurofighter Typhoons along the River Thames, in a straight line from just south of London City Airport Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the RAF Memorial and (at 13.00) the Ministry of Defence building.{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=CCA67B98-1143-EC82-2E89A277AD340ED3|title=90th Anniversary Flypast in London|date=1 April 2008|work=RAF News Archives|access-date=30 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205154/http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=CCA67B98-1143-EC82-2E89A277AD340ED3|archive-date=16 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_7320000/newsid_7324500?redirect=7324577.stm&news=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&asb=1|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080402163904/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_7320000/newsid_7324500?redirect=7324577.stm&news=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&asb=1|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2008|title=BBC Media Player|access-date=22 July 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7323865.stm|title=Flypast marks RAF's anniversary|work=BBC News|access-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406072618/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7323865.stm|archive-date=6 April 2008|url-status=live}}

Four major defence reviews have been conducted since the end of the Cold War: the 1990 Options for Change, the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, the 2003 Delivering Security in a Changing World and the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). All four defence reviews have resulted in steady reductions in manpower and numbers of aircraft, especially combat aircraft such as fast-jets. As part of the latest 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft was cancelled due to over spending and missing deadlines.{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4934263&c=EUR&s=TOP |title=Lots of Losers in U.K. Defense Review |publisher=DefenseNews |access-date=22 October 2010 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Other reductions saw total manpower reduced by 5,000 personnel to a trained strength of 33,000 and the early retirement of the Joint Force Harrier aircraft, the BAE Harrier GR7/GR9.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/last-harrier-jet-leaves-ark-royal-2142482.html |title=Last Harrier jet leaves Ark Royal |work=Independent |location=UK |author=Wilkinson, Tom |date=24 November 2010 |access-date=4 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127135705/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/last-harrier-jet-leaves-ark-royal-2142482.html |archive-date=27 November 2010 |url-status=live }}

File:MOD MOD 45143423.jpg was operated by the RAF in the SAR role from 1978 until 2015 when RAF Search and Rescue was disbanded.]]

In recent years, fighter aircraft on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) have been increasingly required to scramble in response to Russian Air Force aircraft approaching British airspace.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-raf-typhoons-intercept-russian-bombers-363985/ RAF Typhoons intercept Russian bombers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219101727/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-raf-typhoons-intercept-russian-bombers-363985/ |date=19 February 2014 }} (flightglobal.com), 27 October 2011 On 24 January 2014, in the Houses of Parliament, Conservative MP and Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Andrew Robathan, announced that the RAF's QRA force had been scrambled almost thirty times in the last three years: eleven times during 2010, ten times during 2011 and eight times during 2012.[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm130124/text/130124w0001.htm Hansard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614171409/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm130124/text/130124w0001.htm |date=14 June 2018 }} (publications.parliament.uk), 24 January 2014 RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Lossiemouth in Moray both provide QRA aircraft, and scramble their Typhoons within minutes to meet or intercept aircraft which give cause for concern. Lossiemouth generally covers the northern sector of UK airspace, while Coningsby covers the southern sector. Typhoon pilot Flight Lieutenant Noel Rees describes how QRA duty works. "At the start of the scaled QRA response, civilian air traffic controllers might see on their screens an aircraft behaving erratically, not responding to their radio calls, or note that it's transmitting a distress signal through its transponder. Rather than scramble Typhoons at the first hint of something abnormal, a controller has the option to put them on a higher level of alert, 'a call to cockpit'. In this scenario the pilot races to the hardened aircraft shelter and does everything short of starting his engines".UK Ministry of Defence press release 20 September 2012

File:Number 47 Squadron Centenary Tail Art (9).jpg since 1967. The C-130J model was in service between 1998 and 2023]]

On 4 October 2015, a final stand-down saw the end of more than 70 years of RAF Search and Rescue provision in the UK. The RAF and Royal Navy's Westland Sea King fleets, after over 30 years of service, were retired. A civilian contractor, Bristow Helicopters, took over responsibility for UK Search and Rescue, under a Private Finance Initiative with newly purchased Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW189 aircraft. The new contract means that all UK SAR coverage is now provided by Bristow aircraft.{{cite web|title=Farewell to RAF UK Search & Rescue|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/farewell-to-raf-uk-search-and-rescue-15102015|website=raf.mod.uk|access-date=3 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208114209/http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/farewell-to-raf-uk-search-and-rescue-15102015|archive-date=8 December 2015}}

In 2018, the RAF's vision of a future constellation of imagery satellites was initiated through the launch of the Carbonite-2 technology demonstrator. The 100 kg Carbonite-2 uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to deliver high-quality imagery and 3D video footage from space.{{cite news |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/royal-air-force-satellite-launched-space/ |title=Royal Air Force surveillance satellite launched into space |last=Allison |first=George |newspaper=UK Defence Journal |date=1 March 2018 |access-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303050314/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/royal-air-force-satellite-launched-space/ |archive-date=3 March 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/03/01/carbonite_2_raf_satellite_mission/ |title=Brit military boffins buy airtime on HD eye-in-the-sky video satellite |last=Corfield |first=Gareth |newspaper=The Register |date=1 March 2018 |access-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301170834/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/03/01/carbonite_2_raf_satellite_mission/ |archive-date=1 March 2018 |url-status=live }} The Royal Air Force celebrated its 100th anniversary on 1 April 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/our-history/anniversaries/raf100/ |title=RAF100 |website=Royal Air Force |access-date=2 May 2023}} It marked the occasion on 10 July 2018 with a flypast over London consisting of 103 aircraft.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-marks-100-years-with-day-of-centrepiece-celebrations/ |title=RAF marks 100 years with day of centrepiece celebrations |website=Royal Air Force |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=2 May 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.military-airshows.co.uk/press18/raf100flypast2018.htm |title=RAF100 Parade & Flypast 2018 |website=military-airshows.co.uk |access-date=2 May 2023}}

Between March 2020 and 2022, the RAF assisted with the response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom as part of Operation Rescript. This saw the service provide repatriation flights and aeromedical evacuations of COVID-19 patients, drivers and call-handlers to support ambulance services and medics to assist with the staffing of hospitals, testing units and vaccination centres.{{cite web |title=COVID Support Force: the MOD's contribution to the coronavirus response |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-support-force-the-mods-contribution-to-the-coronavirus-response |website=GOV.UK |date=12 June 2020 |access-date=12 August 2021 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322042815/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-support-force-the-mods-contribution-to-the-coronavirus-response |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Tactical Medical Wing Personnel Support NHS During Coronavirus Pandemic |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/coronavirus/tactical-medical-wing-personnel-support-nhs-during-coronavirus-pandemic/ |access-date=12 August 2021 |agency=Royal Air Force |date=8 March 2021 |archive-date=12 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155923/https://www.raf.mod.uk/coronavirus/tactical-medical-wing-personnel-support-nhs-during-coronavirus-pandemic/ |url-status=live }} Under Operation Broadshare, the RAF has also been involved with COVID-19 relief operations overseas, repatriating stranded nationals and delivering medical supplies and vaccines to British Overseas Territories and military installations.{{cite news |title=Fighting an invisible enemy at home and overseas |url=https://medium.com/voices-of-the-armed-forces/fighting-an-invisible-enemy-at-home-and-overseas-873dbdc19d3f |access-date=12 August 2021 |agency=Ministry of Defence |date=16 July 2020 |archive-date=12 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155918/https://medium.com/voices-of-the-armed-forces/fighting-an-invisible-enemy-at-home-and-overseas-873dbdc19d3f |url-status=live }}

The UK's 20-year long operations in Afghanistan came to an end in August 2021, seeing the largest airlift since the Berlin Blockade take place. As part of Operation Pitting, the RAF helped evacuate over 15,000 people in two weeks.{{cite web |first1=George |last1=Bowden |first2=Katie |last2=Wright |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58372437 |title=Afghanistan: British ambassador home as last UK troops leave |website=BBC News |date=29 August 2021 |access-date=24 April 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/afghanistan-operation-pitting |title=Afghanistan: Operation Pitting |website=Imperial War Museum |access-date=24 April 2023}} Between April and May 2023, the RAF helped evacuate over 2,300 people from Sudan due to the 2023 Sudan conflict as part of Operation Polarbear.{{cite web |first1=Sean |last1=Seddon |first2=Christy |last2=Cooney |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65476769 |title=Sudan: Final UK evacuation flight leaves the country |website=BBC News |date=4 May 2023 |access-date=16 May 2023}}{{cite web |first=Deborah |last=Haynes |url=https://news.sky.com/story/uk-will-be-left-dangerously-exposed-when-it-cuts-fleet-of-special-forces-aircraft-sources-say-12881389 |title=UK will be left 'dangerously exposed' when it cuts fleet of special forces aircraft, sources say |website=Sky News |date=15 May 2023 |access-date=16 May 2023}}

In April 2024, Typhoon FGR4s operating from RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, engaged and destroyed Iranian drones over Iraqi and Syrian airspace during Iran's strikes against Israel.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68810774 |title=RAF fighter jets shot down Iran drones, Rishi Sunak says |website=BBC News |date=14 April 2024 |access-date=15 August 2024}}

On 26 and 27 March 2025, RAF Puma helicopters marked their retirement from service with a flypast of locations with a historical link to Puma including RAF Odiham, Andover, Middle Wallop Flying Station, MOD Boscombe Down, Thiepval Barracks, PJHQ, RAF Halton, RAF High Wycombe, RAF Benson, RAF Cosford, RAF Shawbury as well as other places across the UK.{{Cite news |date=2025-03-26 |title=Three RAF helicopters to perform farewell flypast over Northern Ireland |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/three-raf-helicopters-to-perform-farewell-flypast-over-northern-ireland/a1994785580.html |access-date=2025-03-28 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=Simon |date=2025-03-26 |title=RAF bids a fond farewell to its Pumas as they take part in goodbye flypast |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/technology/aircraft/fond-farewell-raf-super-pumas-they-take-part-goodbye-flypast |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.forcesnews.com |language=en}}

{{Main|Structure of the Royal Air Force}}

File:Sir Richard Knighton.jpg Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton]]

The professional head and highest-ranking officer of the Royal Air Force is the chief of the air staff (CAS). He reports to the chief of the defence staff, who is the professional head of the British Armed Forces.{{cite web|title=Air Command senior, as of September 2018|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/872139/Air_Mar_19_senior_data.csv/preview|date=12 March 2020|website=GOV.UK|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=9 May 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728115947/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/872139/Air_Mar_19_senior_data.csv/preview|url-status=live}} The incumbent chief of the air staff is Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton who was appointed in 2023.{{cite web |title=Chief of the Air Staff |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/senior-commanders/chief-of-the-air-staff/ |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=Royal Air Force |language=en-gb}}

The management of the RAF is the responsibility of the Air Force Board, a sub-committee of the Defence Council which is part of the Ministry of Defence and the body legally responsible for the defence of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. The chief of the air staff chairs the Air Force Board Standing Committee (AFBSC) which decides on the policy and actions required for the RAF to meet the requirements of the Defence Council and His Majesty's Government.{{Sfn|Heyman|2013|pp=134–135}}

The chief of the air staff is supported by several other senior commanders:

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Royal Air Force senior management positions{{cite web|title=Senior Commanders|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/senior-commanders/|access-date=8 March 2021|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303231936/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/senior-commanders/|url-status=live}}

! Title

! Rank

! NATO rank scale

|-

|Chief of the Air Staff

|Air Chief Marshal

|OF-9

|-

|Deputy Chief of the Air Staff

|Air Marshal

|OF-8

|-

|Air and Space Commander

|Air Marshal

|OF-8

|-

|Air Officer Northern Ireland

|Air Marshal

|OF-8

|-

|Assistant Chief of the Air Staff

|Air Vice-Marshal

|OF-7

|-

|Air Officer Scotland

|Air Vice-Marshal

|OF-7

|-

|Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans)

|Air Vice-Marshal

|OF-7

|-

|Chief of Staff Personnel and Air Secretary

|Air Vice-Marshal

|OF-7

|-

|Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force

|Air Vice-Marshal

|OF-7

|-

|Director of Legal Services

|Air Vice-Marshal

|OF-7

|-

|Air Member for Materiel and Chief of Materiel

|Vice Admiral

|OF-8{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/senior-appointments/ |title=Senior Royal Air Force Appointments |first=Richard |last=Thompson |website=raf.mod.uk |access-date=17 March 2021 |archive-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705001210/https://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/senior-appointments.cfm |url-status=live }}

|-

|Chaplain-in-Chief

|Air Vice-Marshal

|OF-7

|-

|Air Officer Wales

|Air Commodore

|OF-6

|-

|Director of Resources

| colspan=2 {{N/A|Civilian}}

|-

|Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force

|Warrant Officer

|OR-9

|}

Administrative and operational command of the RAF is delegated by the Air Force Board to Headquarters Air Command, based at RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Air Command was formed on 1 April 2007 by combining RAF Strike Command and RAF Personnel and Training Command, resulting in a single command covering the whole RAF, led by the chief of the air staff.{{Sfn|Heyman|2013|p=136}} Through its subordinate groups, Air Command oversees the whole spectrum of RAF aircraft and operations.{{cite web|title=RAF High Wycombe|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=9 May 2020}}

United Kingdom Space Command (UKSC), established 1 April 2021 under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is a joint command, but sits "under the Royal Air Force."{{cite news|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/qa-air-vice-marshal-harv-smyth-talks-uk-space-command/|title=Q&A: Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth talks UK Space Command|date=23 February 2021|newspaper=Airforce Technology|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427144543/https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/qa-air-vice-marshal-harv-smyth-talks-uk-space-command/|url-status=live}} Godfrey is of equal rank to the commanders of 1, 2, 11, and 22 Groups. The new command has "responsibility for not just operations, but also generating, training and growing the force, and also owning the money and putting all the programmatic rigour into delivering new ..capabilities." UKSC headquarters is at RAF High Wycombe co-located with Air Command.{{cite news|url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/19057485.uk-space-command-raf-high-wycombe---air-commodore-paul-godfrey-lead/|title=UK Space Command at RAF High Wycombe – Air Commodore Paul Godfrey to lead|date=2 February 2021|newspaper=Bucks Free Press|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428165005/https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/19057485.uk-space-command-raf-high-wycombe---air-commodore-paul-godfrey-lead/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of Royal Air Force groups}}Groups are the subdivisions of operational commands and are responsible for certain types of capabilities or for operations in limited geographical areas. There are five groups subordinate to Air Command, of which four are functional and one is geographically focused:

No. 1 Group is responsible for combat aircraft (comprising the Lightning Force and Typhoon Force) and the RAF's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. It oversees stations at RAF Coningsby and RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, RAF Lossiemouth in Moray and RAF Marham in Norfolk. The group's Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft protect UK and NATO airspace by providing a continuous Quick Reaction Alert capability.{{cite web|title=No. 1 Group|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=9 May 2020}}

No. 2 Group controls the Air Mobility Force which provides strategic and tactical airlift, air-to-air refuelling and command support air transport (CSAT). The group is also responsible for the RAF Medical Services, RAF Support Force, consisting of the RAF's engineering, logistics, intelligence, signals, musical and mountain rescue assets, RAF's Combat and Readiness Force, comprising the RAF Regiment, and the Air Security Force, comprising RAF Police. It oversees stations at RAF Benson and RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire, RAF Honington in Suffolk, RAF Odiham in Hampshire and RAF Northolt in West London.{{cite web|title=No. 2 Group|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=9 May 2020}}

No. 11 Group is responsible for integrating operations across the air, cyber and space domains whilst responding to new and evolving threats. It includes the RAF's Battlespace Management Force which controls the UK Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS). The group oversees stations at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland, RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire and RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria.{{cite web|title=No. 11 Group|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=2020-05-09}}

No. 22 Group is responsible for the supply of qualified and skilled personnel to the RAF and provides flying and non-flying training to all three British armed services. It is the end-user of the UK Military Flying Training System which is provided by civilian contractor Ascent Flight Training. The group oversees stations at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, RAF Cosford and RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, MOD St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall and RAF Valley on Anglesey.{{cite web|title=No 22 Group|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=9 May 2020}} The No. 22 Group also manages the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.{{Cite web|title=Royal Air Force|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=2021-09-12|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Royal Air Force stations|List of former Royal Air Force stations}}

{{Location map+|UK|relief = 1|float=right|width=300| places=

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| lat_deg = 52.962222

| lon_deg = -0.561667

| position = left

| label = Cranwell & Barkston Heath

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot orange.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = bottom

| lat_deg = 51.616389

| lon_deg = -1.095833

| label = Benson

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = right

| lat_deg = 55.421944

| lon_deg = -1.603333

| label = Boulmer

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot blue.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = left

| lat_deg = 51.70

| lon_deg = -1.583611

| label = Brize Norton

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| lat_deg = 53.093056

| lon_deg = -0.166111

| position = right

| label = Coningsby

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| lat_deg = 52.645

| lon_deg = -2.255556

| position = bottom

| label = Cosford

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot orange.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| lat_deg = 53.030278

| lon_deg = -0.483333

| position = left

| label =

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot orange.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = right

| lat_deg = 54.358889

| lon_deg = -0.669722

| label = Fylingdales

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot blue.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = right

| lat_deg = 51.791667

| lon_deg = -0.736111

| label = Halton

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot orange.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = left

| lat_deg = 52.015556

| lon_deg = -0.303333

| label = Henlow

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot green.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = top

| lat_deg = 52.3425

| lon_deg = 0.773056

| label = Honington

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot green.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = bottom

| lat_deg = 54.2925

| lon_deg = -1.535556

| label = Leeming

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot green.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = bottom

| lat_deg = 57.705278

| lon_deg = -3.339167

| label = Lossiemouth

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = top

| lat_deg = 52.648333

| lon_deg = 0.550556

| label = Marham

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = right

| lat_deg = 51.553056

| lon_deg = -0.418333

| label = Northolt

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = bottom

| lat_deg = 51.234167

| lon_deg = -0.942778

| label = Odiham

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = left

| lat_deg = 52.798056

| lon_deg = -2.668056

| label = Shawbury

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot orange.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = left

| lat_deg = 50.434722

| lon_deg = -5.013056

| label = St. Mawgan

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot orange.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = left

| lat_deg = 53.248056

| lon_deg = -4.535278

| label = Valley

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot orange.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = left

| lat_deg = 53.1725

| lon_deg = -0.530833

| label = Waddington

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot red.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = bottom

| lat_deg = 52.6125

| lon_deg = -0.476389

| label = Wittering

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot green.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = left

| lat_deg = 53.581667

| lon_deg = -3.055556

| label = Woodvale

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot green.svg}}

{{Location map~ | United Kingdom

| position = bottom

| lat_deg = 52.357222

| lon_deg = -0.107778

| label = Wyton

| label_size = 70

| mark = Location dot green.svg}}

| caption = Map of the Royal Air Force's main stations.

File:Location dot red.svg Front-line flying station
8px Training station
8px Battlespace management
8px Support station}}

An RAF station is ordinarily subordinate to a group and is commanded by a group captain. Each station typically hosts several flying and non-flying squadrons or units which are supported by administrative and support wings.{{Sfn|Heyman|2013|p=145}}

Front-line flying operations are focused at eight stations:{{cite web|title=RAF Stations|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/index.cfm/our-organisation/stations/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728115952/https://www.raf.mod.uk/index.cfm/our-organisation/stations/|url-status=live}}

• RAF Coningsby, RAF Marham and RAF Lossiemouth (Air Combat)
• RAF Waddington (ISTAR)
• RAF Brize Norton and RAF Northolt (Air Transport)
• RAF Benson and RAF Odiham (Support Helicopter Force operating under Joint Aviation Command)

Flying training takes places at RAF Barkston Heath, RAF College Cranwell, RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley, each forming part of the UK Military Flying Training System which is dedicated to training aircrew for all three UK armed services. Specialist ground crew training is focused at RAF Cosford, RAF St Mawgan and MOD St. Athan.

Operations are supported by numerous other flying and non-flying stations, with activity focussed at RAF Honington which coordinates Force Protection and RAF Leeming & RAF Wittering which have a support enabler role.

A Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at RAF Boulmer is tasked with compiling a Recognised Air Picture of UK air space and providing tactical control of the Quick Reaction Alert Force. In order to achieve this Boulmer is supported by a network of eight Remote Radar Heads (RRHs) spread the length of the UK.{{cite web|title=Quick Reaction Alert|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=2020-05-10}}

The UK operates permanent military airfields (known as Permanent Joint Operating Bases) in four British Overseas Territories. These bases contribute to the physical defence and maintenance of sovereignty of the British Overseas Territories and enable the UK to conduct expeditionary military operations.{{cite web|title=Permanent Joint Operating Bases (PJOBs)|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permanent-joint-operating-bases-pjobs/permanent-joint-operating-bases-pjobs|date=12 December 2012|website=GOV.UK|publisher=Ministry of Defence|language=en|access-date=19 July 2017|archive-date=22 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322052411/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permanent-joint-operating-bases-pjobs/permanent-joint-operating-bases-pjobs|url-status=live}} Although command and oversight of the bases is provided by Strategic Command, the airfield elements are known as RAF stations.{{cite web|title=House of Commons – Hansard Written Answers for 17 March 2014 : Column 493W|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm140317/text/140317w0006.htm|date=17 March 2014|website=parliament.uk|language=en|access-date=19 July 2017|archive-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305142113/https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm140317/text/140317w0006.htm|url-status=dead}}

• RAF Akrotiri (Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Cyprus)
• RAF Ascension Island (Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cuhna)
• RAF Mount Pleasant (Falkland Islands)
• RAF Gibraltar (Gibraltar)

Four RAF squadrons are based overseas. No. 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron is based at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in the United States and works in close cooperation with the U.S. Air Force in the development of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning. No. 80 Squadron is part of the Australia, Canada and United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and is tasked with compiling and testing the Mission Data File Sets (MDFS) for the F-35.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/the-return-of-80-squadrons-for-the-raf-and-the-royal-australian-air-force/ |title=The return of 80 Squadrons for the RAF and the Royal Australian Air Force |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=17 April 2024 |access-date=22 April 2024}} No. 84 Squadron is located at RAF Akrotiri in a search and rescue role.{{cite web |last=Cacoyannis |first=Xenia Zubova Sofie |date=4 April 2023 |title=Start of a new era at RAF Akrotiri as Pumas replace Griffin helicopters in Cyprus |url=https://www.forces.net/services/raf/start-new-era-raf-akrotiri-pumas-replace-griffin-helicopters-cyprus |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=forces.net}} No. 230 Squadron are based at Medicina Lines, Brunei.{{cite web |date=24 May 2023 |title=RAF Benson – Last week, on the 18th May, 230 Squadron officially re-mustered in Brunei marking its return to South East Asia... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/RAFBenson/posts/620752106757298 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=RAF Benson (Facebook)}}

{{Main|List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons}}A flying squadron is an aircraft unit which carries out the primary tasks of the RAF. RAF squadrons are somewhat analogous to the regiments of the British Army in that they have histories and traditions going back to their formation, regardless of where they are based or which aircraft they are operating. They can be awarded standards and battle honours for meritorious service. Most flying squadrons are commanded by a wing commander and, for a fast-jet squadron, have an complement of around twelve aircraft.{{cite web|title=RAF Station organisation|url=http://www.armedforces.co.uk/raf/listings/l0020.html|publisher=Armed forces|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824030230/http://www.armedforces.co.uk/raf/listings/l0020.html|archive-date=24 August 2017|access-date=31 December 2017}}

{{See also|List of Royal Air Force aircraft independent flights}}

File:Mount Pleasant Airport - Donald Morrison.jpg, home to No. 1435 Flight providing air defence for the Falkland Islands.]]

Independent flights are so designated because they are explicitly smaller in size than a squadron. Many independent flights are, or have been, front-line flying units. For example, No. 1435 Flight carries out air defence duties for the Falkland Islands, with four Eurofighter Typhoon fighters based at RAF Mount Pleasant.{{cite web|title=History of 1435 Squadron|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/1435squadron.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222133723/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/1435squadron.cfm|archive-date=22 December 2015|publisher=MOD}}

{{See also|List of wings of the Royal Air Force|List of Royal Air Force units & establishments}}

Support capabilities are provided by several specialist wings and other units.

{{Col-begin}}

{{Col-break|width=}}

• Air Warfare Centre (RAF Waddington)
• Airborne Delivery Wing (RAF Brize Norton)
• Mobile Meteorological Unit (RAF Waddington)
• Tactical Communications Wing (RAF Leeming)
• Tactical Medical Wing (RAF Brize Norton)
• Tactical Supply Wing (MOD Stafford)

{{Col-break}}

• No. 1 Air Control Centre (RAF Boulmer)
• No. 1 Air Mobility Wing (RAF Brize Norton)
• No. 1 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing (RAF Waddington)
• No. 42 (Expeditionary Support) Wing (RAF Wittering)
• No. 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing (RAF Wittering)
• No. 90 Signals Unit (RAF Leeming)

{{Col-end}}

{{Main|Expeditionary Air Wing}}

Command, control, and support for overseas operations is typically provided through Expeditionary Air Wings (EAWs). Each wing is brought together as and when required and comprises the deployable elements of its home station as well as other support elements from throughout the RAF.{{Cite book|last=Stone|first=Trevor|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Wc9DwAAQBAJ&q=Expeditionary%20Air%20Wing%202006&pg=PT314|title=Sustaining Air Power: Royal Air Force Logistics since 1918|publisher=Fonthill Media|year=2017|isbn=978-1-78155-635-1|chapter=5|access-date=20 November 2020|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818005940/https://books.google.com/books?id=6Wc9DwAAQBAJ&q=Expeditionary%20Air%20Wing%202006&pg=PT314|url-status=live}}

• No. 34 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Waddington) – ISTAR operations{{cite web|title=Number 34 Expeditionary Air Wing|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/34expeditionaryairwing.cfm|publisher=RAF|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101135354/https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/34expeditionaryairwing.cfm|archive-date=1 January 2018|access-date=31 December 2017}}
• No. 38 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Brize Norton) – air transport operations{{Cite news|date=27 October 2017|title=A Special Thank You For RAF Personnel Involved in Op Ruman|work=Forces Network|url=http://www.forces.net/news/special-thank-you-raf-personnel-involved-op-ruman|url-status=live|access-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102073036/http://www.forces.net/news/special-thank-you-raf-personnel-involved-op-ruman|archive-date=2 January 2018}}
• No. 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Coningsby) – multi-role operations{{cite web|title=RAF Mareham|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham/aboutus/whoisbasedhere.cfm|publisher=RAF|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154540/https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham/aboutus/whoisbasedhere.cfm|archive-date=31 July 2017|access-date=31 December 2017}}
• No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Leeming) – fighter operations
• No. 138 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Marham) – fighter operations
• No. 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Lossiemouth) – fighter operations

Several Expeditionary Air Wings are based overseas:{{cite web|title=No 83 Expeditionary Air Group|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=9 May 2020}}

• No. 901 Expeditionary Air Wing (Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar) – Communication and information systems support
• No. 902 Expeditionary Air Wing (Middle East) – Helicopter support
• No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus) – Supports Operation Shader
• No. 905 Expeditionary Air Wing (RAF Mount Pleasant, Falklands Islands) – Protection of British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic
• No. 906 Expeditionary Air Wing (Middle East) – Air transport support

{{Main|List of Royal Air Force schools}}

The RAF Schools consist of the squadrons and support apparatus that train new aircrew to join front-line squadrons. The schools separate individual streams, but group together units with similar responsibility or that operate the same aircraft type. Some schools operate with only one squadron, and have an overall training throughput which is relatively small; some, like No. 3 Flying Training School, have responsibility for all Elementary Flying Training (EFT) in the RAF, and all RAF aircrew will pass through its squadrons when they start their flying careers. No. 2 Flying Training School and No. 6 Flying Training School do not have a front-line training responsibility – their job is to group the University Air Squadrons and the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons together. The commanding officer of No. 2 FTS holds the only full-time flying appointment for a Group Captain in the RAF, and is a reservist.

• Central Flying School (RAF Cranwell) – standardises flying training across the air force and ensures standards and safety are maintained.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21321362|title=Robert Smith-Barry: The man who taught the world to fly|publisher=BBC|date=23 February 2013|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024101229/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21321362|archive-date=24 October 2018|url-status=live}}
• No. 1 Flying Training School (RAF Shawbury) – basic and advanced helicopter training.{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafshawbury/|title=Welcome to RAF Shawbury|publisher=RAF|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017215848/https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafshawbury/|archive-date=17 October 2017|access-date=31 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|title=Royal Air Force|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|url-status=dead}}
• No. 2 Flying Training School (RAF Syerston) – gliding training provided by Volunteer Gliding Squadrons based at airfields throughout the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/new-gliding-school-launches-for-air-cadets-31012014|title=New Gliding School Launches for Air Cadets|publisher=Air Cadets|access-date=14 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215013510/http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/new-gliding-school-launches-for-air-cadets-31012014|archive-date=15 February 2014}}
• No. 3 Flying Training School (RAF Cranwell) – Elementary Flying Training (EFT) for RAF, Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps crews, also operates from RAF Wittering and RAF Barkston Heath.{{cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/support-and-training/703-naval-air-squadron/elementary-flying-training|title=Elementary Flying Training|publisher=Royal Navy|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101030457/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/support-and-training/703-naval-air-squadron/elementary-flying-training|archive-date=1 January 2018|access-date=31 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/stations.cfm?selectStation=9E02704F-0229-3061-1A4FA2D1B685D50F|title=RAF Cranwell|publisher=Royal Air Force|access-date=23 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131540/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/stations.cfm?selectStation=9E02704F-0229-3061-1A4FA2D1B685D50F|archive-date=24 September 2015}}
• No. 4 Flying Training School (RAF Valley) – Basic Fast Jet Training (BFJT) and Advanced Fast Jet Training (AFJT).{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-valley/ |title=RAF Valley |publisher=Royal Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228164806/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-valley/ |archive-date=28 February 2020 |access-date=28 February 2020}}
• No. 6 Flying Training School (RAF Cranwell) – Initial training provided by University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights based at airfields throughout the UK.{{cite web|title=6 Flying Training School|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/6-flying-training-school-08102015|website=RAF.mod.uk|access-date=8 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012054010/http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/6-flying-training-school-08102015|archive-date=12 October 2015}}

File:Eleven retired Royal Air Force (RAF) SEPECAT Jaguar GR3As, formerly of No. 6 Squadron, now used as ground instructional airframes to train tomorrows' RAF aircraft technicians and engineers, at RAF Cosford.jpg aircraft used for training by No.1 School of Technical Training at RAF Cosford]]

The British military operate a number of joint training organisations, with Air Command leading the provision of technical training through the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT).{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/no22traininggroup/organisation/dctt.cfm|title=Defence College of Technical Training|publisher=RAF|access-date=29 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730032519/https://www.raf.mod.uk/no22traininggroup/organisation/dctt.cfm|archive-date=30 July 2017}} It provides training in aeronautical engineering, electro and mechanical engineering, and communication and information systems.{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/no22traininggroup/organisation/dctt.cfm|title=RAF – Defence College of Technical Training|website=raf.mod.uk|access-date=29 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204065914/http://www.raf.mod.uk/no22traininggroup/organisation/dctt.cfm|archive-date=4 February 2017}}

• No. 1 School of Technical Training is based at RAF Cosford and provides RAF personnel with mechanical, avionics, weapons and survival equipment training. Also based at Cosford is the Aerosystems Engineer and Management Training School. Both are part of the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering.{{Cite web|title=RAF Cosford|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=13 February 2021|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|url-status=live}}
• No. 4 School of Technical Training is part of the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (DSEME) and is based at MOD St Athan. It provides training to non-aircraft ground engineering technicians.{{Cite web|title=MOD St Athan|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=13 February 2021|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|url-status=live}}
• No. 1 Radio School and the Aerial Erectors School are based at Cosford and RAF Digby respectively and are part of the Defence School of Communications and Information Systems.{{cite web|last=here|first=RAF Details|title=RAF – DSCIS|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/no22traininggroup/organisation/dscis.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730032444/https://www.raf.mod.uk/no22traininggroup/organisation/dscis.cfm|archive-date=30 July 2017|access-date=29 July 2017|website=raf.mod.uk}}

The Royal Air Force operates several units and centres for the provision of non-generic training and education. These include the Royal Air Force Leadership Centre and the RAF Centre for Air Power Studies, both based at RAF Cranwell,{{cite web|title=Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies|url=http://www.airpowerstudies.co.uk/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101030556/http://www.airpowerstudies.co.uk/|archive-date=1 January 2018|access-date=31 December 2017|publisher=Air Power Studies}} and the Air Warfare Centre, based at RAF Waddington and RAF Cranwell.{{cite web|title=Air Warfare Centre|url=http://www.armedforces.co.uk/raf/listings/l0013.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210092819/http://www.armedforces.co.uk/raf/listings/l0013.html|archive-date=10 February 2012|access-date=5 January 2012|work=armedforces.co.uk}} Non-commissioned officer training and developmental courses occur at RAF Halton and officer courses occur at the Joint Services Command and Staff College at Shrivenham.{{cite news|date=16 September 2010|title=Defence Review: inside the college that trains the top brass|newspaper=Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8006065/Defence-Review-inside-the-college-that-trains-the-top-brass.html|url-status=live|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101030056/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8006065/Defence-Review-inside-the-college-that-trains-the-top-brass.html|archive-date=1 January 2018}}

{{See also|List of Royal Air Force personnel|List of comparative military ranks}}

File:RAF Regiment (8658943968) (2).jpg on parade, 2013|left]]

At its height in 1944 during the Second World War, more than 1,100,000 personnel were serving in the RAF. The longest-lived founding member of the RAF was Henry Allingham, who died on 18 July 2009 aged 113.{{cite news |title=Fly-past for Britain's oldest man |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/5044206.stm |newspaper=BBC News |date=3 June 2006 |access-date=20 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430211206/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/5044206.stm |archive-date=30 April 2009 |url-status=live }}

As of 1 January 2015, the RAF numbered some 34,200 Regular[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/402652/MPR_January_2015.pdf gov.uk MoD – regular personnel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402170127/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/402652/MPR_January_2015.pdf |date=2 April 2015 }}, table 2-page 8. 1 January 2015. and 1,940 Royal Auxiliary Air Force[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/402633/quarterly_personnel_report_jan15.pdf gov.uk MoD – quarterly personnel report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421104214/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/402633/quarterly_personnel_report_jan15.pdf |date=21 April 2016 }}, table 4-page 9. 1 January 2015. personnel, giving a combined component strength of 36,140 personnel. In addition to the active elements of the RAF, (Regular and Royal Auxiliary Air Force), all ex-Regular personnel remain liable to be recalled for duty in a time of need, this is known as the Regular Reserve. In 2007, there were 33,980 RAF Regular Reserves, of which 7,950 served under a fixed-term reserve contract.[http://www.dasa.mod.uk/publications/personnel/military/reserves-and-cadets-strengths/2012-04-01/2012-revised.pdf dasa.mod – reserves and cadet strengths] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020019/http://www.dasa.mod.uk/publications/personnel/military/reserves-and-cadets-strengths/2012-04-01/2012-revised.pdf |date=3 December 2013 }}, table 4-page 6. April 2012. Publications since April 2013 no-longer report the entire strength of the Regular Reserve, instead they only give a figure for Regular Reserves who serve under a fixed-term reserve contract.[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/314795/uk_reserve_force_cadets_2014.pdf gov.uk MoD – reserves and cadet strengths] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308182849/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/314795/uk_reserve_force_cadets_2014.pdf |date=8 March 2016 }}, table 4-page 13. See note 2. April 2014. They had a strength of 7,120 personnel in 2014.[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/314795/uk_reserve_force_cadets_2014.pdf gov.uk MoD – reserves and cadet strengths] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308182849/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/314795/uk_reserve_force_cadets_2014.pdf |date=8 March 2016 }}, table 4-page 13. April 2014.

Figures provided by the International Institute for Strategic Studies from 2012 showed that RAF pilots achieve a relatively high number of flying hours per year when compared with other major NATO allies such as France and Germany. RAF pilots achieve 210 to 290 flying hours per year.IISS 2012, p. 171 French and German Air Force pilots achieved 180 and 150 flying hours across their fleets respectively.IISS 2012, pp. 111–120

File:Royal Air Force Bomber Command, 1942-1945. CH20901.jpg, Queen Elizabeth, and Princess Elizabeth with RAF personnel during World War II]]

Officers hold a commission from the sovereign, which provides the legal authority for them to issue orders to subordinates. The commission of a regular officer is granted after successfully completing the 24-week-long Initial Officer Training course at the RAF College, Cranwell, Lincolnshire.{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/media/2167/090816-iot_course_breakdown-u.pdf|title=RAF IOT Breakdown|date=9 August 2016|access-date=22 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022222208/https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/media/2167/090816-iot_course_breakdown-u.pdf|archive-date=22 October 2016|url-status=live}}

To emphasise the merger of both military and naval aviation when the RAF was formed, many of the titles of officers were deliberately chosen to be of a naval character, such as flight lieutenant, wing commander, group captain, and air commodore.{{cite web|url=http://www.rafweb.org/Ranks-Uniform/Ranks1.htm|title=Commissioned ranks of the Royal Air Force 1919–present|publisher=Air of Authority – A history of RAF Organisation|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231211913/http://www.rafweb.org/Ranks-Uniform/Ranks1.htm|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=dead}}

In 1952, officers served in one of fourteen branches: Catering; Chaplains; Dental; Education; Equipment; Fighter Control; General Duties (i.e. aircrew); Legal; Medical; Physical Fitness; Provost; RAF Regiment; Secretarial; and Technical. All except General Duties and the RAF Regiment were open to women.G. H. Chaffe (ed.), Careers Encyclopædia, Avon Press: London, 1952.

Other ranks attend the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton for basic training.{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafhalton/recruits/index.cfm|title=Recruit training|publisher=RAF|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101135405/https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafhalton/recruits/index.cfm|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status=live}} The titles and insignia of other ranks in the RAF were based on that of the Army, with some alterations in terminology. Over the years, this structure has seen significant changes: for example, there was once a separate system for those in technical trades, and the ranks of chief technician and junior technician continue to be held only by personnel in technical trades. RAF other ranks fall into four categories: warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers, junior non-commissioned officers and airmen. All warrant officers in the RAF are equal in terms of rank, but the most senior non-commissioned appointment is known as the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/senior-commanders/warrant-officer-of-the-royal-air-force/ |title=Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=11 October 2021 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021153903/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/senior-commanders/warrant-officer-of-the-royal-air-force/ |url-status=live }}

From 1952, trades for RAF airmen and airwomen were grouped into 23 trade groups: Accounting and Secretarial; Air Traffic Control and Fire Services; Aircraft Engineering; Airfield Construction; Armament Engineering; Catering; Dental; Electrical and Instrument Engineering; General Duties (i.e. aircrew); General Engineering; General Service; Ground Signalling; Marine Craft; Mechanical Transport; Medical; Music; Photography; Police; Radar Operating; Radio Engineering; RAF Regiment; Safety and Surface; and Supply. All were open to women except Air Traffic Control and Fire Services, Airfield Construction, General Duties, Marine Craft and the RAF Regiment

{{Main|RAF officer ranks|RAF other ranks}}

{{RAF Officer Ranks|Title=Y}}

{{RAF Other Ranks|Title=Y}}

{{Further|List of aircraft of the RAF|List of active United Kingdom military aircraft}}

File:Eurofighter Typhoon FIA 2012.jpg]]

File:F-35B (52298898734).jpg]]

The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 is the RAF's primary multi-role air defence and ground attack fighter aircraft,{{Cite web|url=https://www.RAF.mod.uk/aircraft/typhoon-fgr4/|title=Typhoon FGR4|website=RAF.mod.uk|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421163437/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/typhoon-fgr4/|archive-date=21 April 2020|access-date=24 May 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Jennings|first=Gareth|date=22 September 2014|url=http://www.Janes.com/article/43466/raf-lossiemouth-undertakes-first-qra-north-scramble|title=RAF Lossiemouth undertakes first QRA North scramble|website=Janes.com|publisher=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201141549/http://www.janes.com/article/43466/raf-lossiemouth-undertakes-first-qra-north-scramble|archive-date=1 February 2015|access-date=23 September 2014|url-status=live}} following the retirement of the Panavia Tornado F3 in late March 2011.{{Cite web|first=Craig|last=Hoyle|date=22 March 2011|url=http://www.FlightGlobal.com/articles/2011/03/22/354597/video.html|title=UK retires last Tornado F3 fighters|website=FlightGlobal.com|publisher=Flight Global|access-date=22 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821065331/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/03/22/354597/video.html |archive-date=21 August 2011|url-status=live}} With the completion of 'Project Centurion' upgrades, the Typhoon FGR4 took over ground attack duties from the Panavia Tornado GR4, which was retired on 1 April 2019.{{Cite web|first=Craig|last=Hoyle|date=8 November 2018|url=https://www.FlightGlobal.com/news/articles/picture-raf-tornado-gains-retirement-markings-453466/|title=The UK Royal Air Force is advancing with preparations to mark the departure from service of its last Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft next March|website=FlightGlobal.com|publisher=Flight Global|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124011009/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-raf-tornado-gains-retirement-markings-453466/|archive-date=24 January 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|first=Jon|last=Lake|date=4 February 2019|url=https://www.Janes.com/article/86148/raf-typhoons-replace-tornados-in-operation-shader-armed-with-brimstone-for-first-time|title=RAF Typhoons replace Tornados in Operation 'Shader' armed with Brimstone for first time|website=Janes.com|publisher=Jane's 360|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015331/https://www.janes.com/article/86148/raf-typhoons-replace-tornados-in-operation-shader-armed-with-brimstone-for-first-time|archive-date=7 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|first=Gareth|last=Jennings|date=6 July 2018|url=https://www.Janes.com/article/81570/raf-receives-first-centurion-typhoons-ahead-of-tornado-retirement|title=RAF receives first 'Centurion' Typhoons ahead of Tornado retirement|website=Janes.com|publisher=Jane's 360|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140140/https://www.janes.com/article/81570/raf-receives-first-centurion-typhoons-ahead-of-tornado-retirement|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=dead}} The Typhoon is tasked to defend UK airspace, while also frequently deploying in support of NATO air defence missions in the Baltic (Operation Azotize), Black Sea (Operation Biloxi), and Iceland (Icelandic Air Policing).{{Cite web |url=https://www.RAF.mod.uk/news/articles/royal-air-force-jets-to-patrol-icelandic-skies-for-nato/|title=Royal Air Force jets to patrol Icelandic skies for NATO|website=RAF.mod.uk|publisher=Royal Air Force|date=13 November 2019|access-date=24 May 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728115952/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/royal-air-force-jets-to-patrol-icelandic-skies-for-nato/ |url-status=live}}

The RAF has seven front-line Typhoon squadrons, plus an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), and Operational Evaluation Unit (OEU); No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron, No. XI (F) Squadron, No. 12 Squadron (joint RAF / Qatar Air Force), No. 29 Squadron (OCU), and No. 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron (OEU) based at RAF Coningsby; with No. 1 (F) Squadron, No. II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, No. 6 Squadron, and No. IX (Bomber) Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth.{{Cite web|url=https://www.Gov.uk/government/news/typhoon-aircraft-relocate-to-raf-lossiemouth|title=Typhoon aircraft relocate to RAF Lossiemouth|website=Gov.uk|publisher=HM Government|access-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124133920/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/typhoon-aircraft-relocate-to-raf-lossiemouth|archive-date=24 November 2015|url-status=live}} Additionally, four Typhoons (Faith, Hope, Charity, and DesperationA referenced to aircraft of the Hal Far Fighter Flight RAF which defended Malta in the Second World War) are based at RAF Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands, forming No. 1435 Flight, where they provide air defence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.RAF.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-mount-pleasant/#1435-flight|title=RAF Mount Pleasant – 1435 Flight|website=RAF.mod.uk|publisher=Royal Air Force|access-date=24 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329074753/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-mount-pleasant/#1435-flight|archive-date=29 March 2019|url-status=dead}} It was originally suggested that an eighth front-line Typhoon squadron could be formed,{{Cite magazine|last=Warnes|first=Alan|date=June 2020|title=Reaching for the stars: UK combat air|magazine=Air Forces Monthly|publisher=Key Publishing|page=34}} however, the 2021 Defence Command Paper announced the retirement of 24 Tranche 1 Typhoons by 2025, and a commitment to seven front-line squadrons.{{Cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.Gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971859/_CP_411__-_Defence_in_a_competitive_age.pdf|title=Defence in a competitive age|website=assets.publishing.service.Gov.uk|publisher=Ministry of Defence|date=22 March 2021|access-date=26 March 2021|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323101323/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971859/_CP_411__-_Defence_in_a_competitive_age.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|first1=Guy|last1=Anderson|first2=Jon|last2=Hawkes|first3=Gareth|last3=Jennings|first4=Kate|last4=Tringham|url=https://www.Janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/the-uk-s-integrated-review-and-defence-command-paper|title=The UK's integrated review and Defence Command Paper|website=Janes.com|publisher=Janes|date=23 March 2021|access-date=26 March 2021|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325153823/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/the-uk-s-integrated-review-and-defence-command-paper|url-status=live}}

The Typhoon made its combat debut in support of Operation Ellamy in 2011, and has been supporting Operation Shader since December 2015. Typhoons have also been supporting Operation Poseidon Archer since January 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/air-strikes-against-houthi-military-targets-in-yemen |title=Air strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen: 11 January 2024 |website=gov.uk |date=12 January 2024 |access-date=15 August 2024}} The Typhoon made its first air-to-air kill in December 2021, shooting down a small hostile drone near Al-Tanf base, Syria, with an ASRAAM.{{cite web |first=Thomas |last=Newdick |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43547/british-typhoon-fighter-downed-a-drone-over-syria-for-its-first-air-to-air-kill |title=British Typhoon Fighter Downed A Drone Over Syria For Its First Air-To-Air Kill |website=The Drive |date=17 December 2021 |access-date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425103941/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43547/british-typhoon-fighter-downed-a-drone-over-syria-for-its-first-air-to-air-kill |url-status=dead }}

The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft. It is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions while also providing electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. It will be jointly operated by the RAF and the Royal Navy and with its ability to perform short take-offs and vertical-landings (STOVL), can operate from the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.{{Cite web|title=Lightning F-35B|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2017|access-date=1 July 2020|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}} Originally a total of 138 Lightnings were planned,{{cite web|date=2 August 2012|title=UK Tornado fleet to retire in 2019, says BAE|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-tornado-fleet-to-retire-in-2019-says-bae-375014/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819071159/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-tornado-fleet-to-retire-in-2019-says-bae-375014/|archive-date=19 August 2012|access-date=4 November 2012|publisher=Flightglobal.com}}{{cite web|date=25 March 2013|title=BBC News – RAF Marham base for Joint Strike Fighter|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-21925225|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528100753/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-21925225|archive-date=28 May 2013|access-date=8 July 2013|publisher=BBC}}{{cite web|first=Gareth|last=Corfield|date=19 May 2017|title=Blighty's buying another 17 F-35s, confirms the American government|website=The Register|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/19/uk_buys_17_more_f35b_lrip_12_14/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806152349/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/19/uk_buys_17_more_f35b_lrip_12_14/|archive-date=6 August 2017|access-date=22 July 2017}} however the 2021 Defence Command Paper amended this to a commitment to increase the fleet beyond the current order of 48. By March 2024, 35 F-35Bs had been delivered to the RAF{{cite web |url=https://www.f35.com/f35/global-enterprise/united-kingdom.html |title=United Kingdom |website=F-35 Lightning II |access-date=15 August 2024}}{{cite web | url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-takes-delivery-of-more-new-f-35-stealth-jets/#:~:text=The%20arrival%20of%20more%20F,by%20the%20end%20of%202025. | title=Britain takes delivery of more new F-35 stealth jets |website=UK Defence Journal |last=Allison |first=George | date= 17 March 2024}}{{cite web |first=George |last=Allison |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-takes-delivery-of-more-f-35-jets/ |title=Britain takes delivery of more F-35 jets |website=UK Defence Journal |date=21 November 2022 |access-date=20 January 2023}} (though one crashed in November 2021).{{Cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/news/hms-queen-elizabeth-british-f-35-crashes-over-mediterranean|title=HMS Queen Elizabeth: British F-35 crashes in Mediterranean|website=Forces Network|date=17 November 2021 |access-date=29 January 2022|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129150930/https://www.forces.net/news/hms-queen-elizabeth-british-f-35-crashes-over-mediterranean|url-status=live}} The F-35B has an out of service date (OSD) of 2069.{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Chalk |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/33417/documents/181571/default/ |title=Letter dated 9th January from Secretary of State to Chair regarding F-35 Update |website=UK Parliament |date=9 January 2023 |access-date=27 January 2023}}

The first RAF squadron to operate the F-35B was No. 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron at Edwards AFB, California, accepting its first aircraft in 2014.{{cite web|title=17(R) Squadron|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/17squadron.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028111104/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/17squadron.cfm|archive-date=28 October 2016|access-date=1 April 2019|publisher=Royal Air Force}} No. 617 (The Dambusters) Squadron officially reformed on 18 April 2018 as the first operational RAF Lightning squadron.{{cite web|date=2018-04-18|title=RAF's legendary Dambusters squadron reforms to fly F-35 Lightning jets | Royal Air Force|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/rafs-legendary-dambusters-squadron-reforms-to-fly-f-35-jets/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815200857/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/rafs-legendary-dambusters-squadron-reforms-to-fly-f-35-jets/|archive-date=15 August 2018|access-date=2018-08-15|publisher=Raf.mod.uk}} The first four aircraft arrived at RAF Marham from the United States in June 2018,{{cite web|author=Taz Ali|title=F-35 Lightning fighter jets arrive at RAF Marham | Latest Norfolk and Suffolk News – Eastern Daily Press|date=7 June 2018|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/f-35-lightning-touches-down-in-norfolk-1-5551093|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815200954/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/f-35-lightning-touches-down-in-norfolk-1-5551093|archive-date=15 August 2018|access-date=2018-08-15|publisher=Edp24.co.uk}} with a further five arriving in August 2018.{{cite web|title=Further five F-35 fighter jets land at new RAF Marham home|url=http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2018-08-04/further-five-f-35-fighter-jets-land-at-new-raf-marham-home/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804170047/http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2018-08-04/further-five-f-35-fighter-jets-land-at-new-raf-marham-home/|archive-date=4 August 2018|access-date=4 August 2018|website=ITN News|date=4 August 2018}} The Lightning was declared combat ready in January 2019.{{cite news|title=First F-35 jets ready to battle for Britain|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/first-f-35-jets-ready-to-battle-for-britain-2pnwb6lqr|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111042516/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/first-f-35-jets-ready-to-battle-for-britain-2pnwb6lqr|archive-date=11 January 2019|access-date=11 January 2019}} The second UK based F-35B squadron to be formed was No. 207 Squadron on 1 August 2019 as the OCU for both RAF and Royal Navy pilots.{{cite web|date=5 July 2017|title=Identity of F-35 Lightning Training Squadron Announced|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/identity-of-f35-lightning-training-squadron-announced-05072017/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728213241/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/identity-of-f35-lightning-training-squadron-announced-05072017/|archive-date=28 July 2017|access-date=1 April 2019|publisher=Royal Air Force}}{{cite web|date=17 July 2019|title=Second Lightning Fight Jet Squadron Arrives In UK|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/second-lightning-fighter-jet-squadron-arrives-in-uk/|access-date=20 January 2020|website=raf.mod.uk|archive-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717153939/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/second-lightning-fighter-jet-squadron-arrives-in-uk/|url-status=live}}

Six Hawker Beechcraft Shadow R1s (with two more to be converted) are operated by No. 14 Squadron from RAF Waddington, these aircraft are King Air 350CERs that have been specially converted for the ISTAR role.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/shadow-r1/ |title=Shadow R1 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806073108/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/shadow-r1/ |url-status=live }} Four Shadow R1s were originally ordered in 2007 due to an Urgent Operational Requirement,{{cite web |url=https://kingairnation.com/uk-to-acquire-two-more-beechcraft-king-air-350-derived-shadow-r-1/ |title=UK To Acquire Two More Beechcraft King Air 350-Derived Shadow R.1 |website=King Air Nation |date=27 November 2015 |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806160305/https://kingairnation.com/uk-to-acquire-two-more-beechcraft-king-air-350-derived-shadow-r-1/ |url-status=live }} and began the conversion process to the ISTAR role in 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.defence-solutions.co.uk/Public/News/news_view.aspx?articleid=52 |title=UK converts King Air 350s into ISTAR platforms |date=13 January 2009 |work=defence-solutions.co.uk |access-date=16 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414125741/http://www.defence-solutions.co.uk/Public/News/News_View.aspx?articleID=52 |archive-date=14 April 2009 |url-status=dead }} ZZ416 was the first Shadow R1 to be delivered in May 2009 to No. V (AC) Squadron.{{cite web |url=https://www.militaryaircraftmarkings.co.uk/updates/MAMupdate49-2009.pdf |title=Military Aircraft Markings Update number 49, June 2009. |publisher=Military Aircraft Markings |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806181533/https://www.militaryaircraftmarkings.co.uk/updates/MAMupdate49-2009.pdf |url-status=live }} A further Shadow was procured and delivered in December 2011.{{cite web |url=https://airforcesmonthly.keypublishing.com/2019/09/16/new-defensive-aids-for-raf-shadow-istar-fleet/ |title=New defensive aids for RAF Shadow ISTAR fleet |website=Air Forces Monthly |date=16 September 2019 |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228165251/https://airforcesmonthly.keypublishing.com/2019/09/16/new-defensive-aids-for-raf-shadow-istar-fleet/ |url-status=dead }} The Shadow fleet was transferred over to the newly reformed No. 14 Squadron in October 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/14squadron.cfm |title=14 Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202185125/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/14squadron.cfm |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=28 February 2020}} Following the 2015 SDSR, three more Shadows were ordered and the fleet was given an OSD of 2030.{{cite web|title=National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124082813/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf|archive-date=24 November 2015|access-date=26 November 2015|website=gov.uk|publisher=HM Government}}

Ten General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles are operated by No. XIII Squadron at RAF Waddington.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-22320275|title=Armed drones operated from RAF base in UK, says MoD|date=27 April 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=27 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428014420/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-22320275|archive-date=28 April 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/no-39-squadron-standard-lodged-at-raf-cranwell-following-disbandment/ |title=No 39 Squadron standard lodged at RAF Cranwell following disbandment |website=Royal Air Force |date=28 February 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023}}

Three Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joints (also known in RAF service as Airseeker) replaced the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R1 fleet in the signals intelligence role under the Airseeker Programme and are flown by No. 51 Squadron.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/airseeker-rc-135w-rivet-joint/ |title=RC-135W Rivet Joint |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324001323/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/airseeker-rc-135w-rivet-joint/ |archive-date=24 March 2019 |url-status=dead }} The Nimrod fleet was retired in 2011, the RAF co-manned aircraft of the US Air Force until the three RC-135s entered service between 2014 and 2017.{{cite news |title=Nimrod R1 aircraft in final flight for RAF |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13942014 |newspaper=BBC News |date=28 June 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701115743/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13942014 |archive-date=1 July 2011 |url-status=live }} The aircraft were Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker tankers converted to RC-135W standard in the most complex combined Foreign Military Sales case and co-operative support arrangement that the UK had undertaken with the United States Air Force since the Second World War.{{cite web |author=Ministry of Defence |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RivetJointJoinsFutureForce2020.htm |title=Rivet Joint joins Future Force 2020 |publisher=Mod.uk |date=22 December 2010 |access-date=13 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019122630/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RivetJointJoinsFutureForce2020.htm |archive-date=19 October 2012 |url-status=live }} The Rivet Joint received its first operational deployment in August 2014, when it was deployed to the Middle East to fly missions over Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Shader.{{cite news|title=Iraq: 'Secret' Surveillance Flights Revealed|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1319633/iraq-secret-surveillance-flights-revealed|access-date=29 December 2014|publisher=Sky News|date=16 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128055914/http://news.sky.com/story/1319633/iraq-secret-surveillance-flights-revealed|archive-date=28 January 2015|url-status=live}} The RC-135W's OSD is 2035.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/uk-and-us-extend-rivet-joint-support-until-2035/ |title=UK and US extend Rivet Joint support until 2035 |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=26 October 2021 |access-date=27 October 2021 |archive-date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026194239/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/uk-and-us-extend-rivet-joint-support-until-2035/ |url-status=live }}

The General Atomics Protector RG1 is currently being introduced into RAF service, with operational flying scheduled to begin in 2025.{{cite web |first=Gareth |last=Jennings |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ga-asi-delivers-first-protector-uav-to-uk |title=GA-ASI delivers first Protector UAV to UK |website=janes.com |date=2 October 2023 |access-date=14 November 2023}} On 5 October 2015, it was announced that the Scavenger programme had been replaced by "Protector", a new requirement for at least 20 unmanned aerial vehicles.{{cite news|title='Protector' UAV fleet to replace RAF Reapers|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/protector-uav-fleet-to-replace-raf-reapers-417391/|access-date=7 October 2015|agency=Flightglobal|date=5 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008015040/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/protector-uav-fleet-to-replace-raf-reapers-417391/|archive-date=8 October 2015|url-status=live}} On 7 October 2015, it was revealed that Protector would be a certifiable derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian with enhanced range and endurance.{{cite news|title=MoD reveals Reaper derivative will be chosen for Protector|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mod-reveals-reaper-derivative-will-be-chosen-for-pro-417509/|access-date=7 October 2015|agency=Flightglobal|date=7 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208080843/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mod-reveals-reaper-derivative-will-be-chosen-for-pro-417509/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=live}} In 2016, it was indicated that at least sixteen aircraft would be purchased with a maximum of up to twenty-six.{{cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Beth |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/civil-uavs/us-approves-sale-of-up-to-26-protector-uavs-to-uk/122336.article |title=US approves sale of up to 26 Protector UAVs to UK | News |publisher=Flight Global |date=2016-11-18 |access-date=2020-05-25 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806130633/https://www.flightglobal.com/civil-uavs/us-approves-sale-of-up-to-26-protector-uavs-to-uk/122336.article |url-status=live }} In July 2018, a General Atomics US civil-registered SkyGuardian was flown from North Dakota to RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo where it was given RAF markings. In July 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for three Protectors with an option on an additional thirteen aircraft.{{cite news |author= |title=MOD signs £65 million contract for Protector aircraft |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-signs-65-million-contract-for-protector-aircraft |work=UK Ministry of Defence |location=London |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814095119/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-signs-65-million-contract-for-protector-aircraft |url-status=live }} The 2021 Defence Command Paper confirmed the order for 16 Protectors, despite the fact that the 2015 SDSR originally laid out plans for more than 20.{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/07/15/uk-orders-first-three-protector-drones-from-general-atomics/|title=UK orders first three Protector drones from General Atomics|date=15 July 2020|publisher=Defence News|access-date=7 December 2020|archive-date=15 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215063625/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/07/15/uk-orders-first-three-protector-drones-from-general-atomics/|url-status=live}} The first Protector RG1 (PR009) was delivered to RAF Waddington in September 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/first-protector-aircraft-has-arrived-at-raf-waddington/ |title=First Protector aircraft has arrived at RAF Waddington |publisher=Royal Air Force |website=raf.mod.uk |date=23 October 2023 |access-date=14 November 2023}} No. 31 Squadron was reformed as the first Protector squadron on 11 October 2023,{{cite web |first=Gareth |last=Jennings |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/raf-reconstitutes-31-squadron-as-new-protector-unit |title=RAF reconstitutes 31 Squadron as new Protector unit |website=janes.com |date=12 October 2023 |access-date=14 November 2023}} having been earmarked for the role in 2018.{{cite news|title=RAF announces new Typhoon, Protector squadrons|url=http://www.janes.com/article/81705/raf-announces-new-typhoon-protector-squadrons|access-date=13 July 2018|publisher=IHS Janes|date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712223031/http://www.janes.com/article/81705/raf-announces-new-typhoon-protector-squadrons|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=dead}}

Based at RAF Waddington, No. 54 Squadron and No. 56 Squadron act as the OCU and OEU for the ISTAR fleet respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/54-squadron/ |title=54 Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |website=raf.mod.uk |access-date=26 May 2020 |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713164646/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/54-squadron/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/56-squadron/ |title=56 Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |website=raf.mod.uk |access-date=26 May 2020 |archive-date=23 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423053803/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/56-squadron/ |url-status=live }}

File:RC-135W Rivet Joint MOD 45159809.jpg|Airseeker R1

File:Shadow R1 5(AC) Sqdn RAF Waddington this morning.jpg|Shadow R1

File:Reaper UAV Takes to the Skies of Southern Afghanistan MOD 45151418.jpg|MQ-9A Reaper

File:RIAT 2018 - Static display IMGP2662 (28679706407).jpg|Protector RG1

File:First RAF Poseidon.jpg]]

Nine Boeing Poseidon MRA1{{cite web |first=George |last=Allison |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raf-announce-that-the-p-8a-maritime-patrol-aircraft-will-be-poseidon-mra-mk1-in-uk-service/ |title=RAF announce that the P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft will be 'Poseidon MRA Mk1' in UK service |website=UK Defence Journal |date=22 August 2018 |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322113648/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raf-announce-that-the-p-8a-maritime-patrol-aircraft-will-be-poseidon-mra-mk1-in-uk-service/ |archive-date=22 March 2019 |url-status=live }} were ordered by the British government in November 2015 in its Strategic Defence and Security Review for surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare, filling a capability gap in maritime patrol that had been left since the cancellation of the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 programme in the 2010 SDSR.{{cite news|title=Defence review: Main developments at a glance|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34897803|access-date=23 November 2015|work=BBC News|date=23 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124050502/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34897803|archive-date=24 November 2015|url-status=live}} On 13 July 2017, it was announced that No. 120 Squadron and No. 201 Squadron, both former Nimrod MR2 squadrons, would operate the Poseidon and be based at RAF Lossiemouth.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-announces-new-maritime-patrol-aircraft-squadrons |title=Defence Secretary announces new Maritime Patrol Aircraft squadrons |publisher=Ministry of Defence |website=mod.uk |date=13 July 2017 |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-date=13 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713151059/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-announces-new-maritime-patrol-aircraft-squadrons |url-status=live }} No. 120 Squadron was stood up on 1 April 2018, with No. 201 Squadron reforming on 7 August 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-59001533 |title=RAF 201 Squadron reclaims standard from Guernsey |website=BBC News |date=22 October 2021 |access-date=26 October 2021 |archive-date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026154138/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-59001533 |url-status=live }} No. 54 Squadron was the OCU for the Poseidon fleet between 2020 and 2023.{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Chorley |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-lossiemouth/news/raf-poseidon-mra1-arrives-at-raf-lossiemouth-for-the-first-time |title=RAF Poseidon MRA1 arrives at RAF Lossiemouth for the first time |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=13 October 2020 |access-date=2 February 2021 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207101510/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-lossiemouth/news/raf-poseidon-mra1-arrives-at-raf-lossiemouth-for-the-first-time |url-status=live }} No. 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron has been the OCU for the Poseidon since September 2023.{{cite web |url=https://raf.mod.uk/news/articles/number-42-squadron-reforms-at-raf-lossiemouth/ |title=Number 42 Squadron reforms at RAF Lossiemouth |publisher=Royal Air Force |date= 1 November 2023 |access-date=1 November 2023}}

The first production Poseidon MRA1 ZP801 made its initial flight on 13 July 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/poseidon-the-uks-new-maritime-patrol-aircraft-takes-to-the-skies/ |title=Poseidon, The UK'S New Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Takes to the Skies |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=13 July 2019 |access-date=14 July 2019 |archive-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713192507/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/poseidon-the-uks-new-maritime-patrol-aircraft-takes-to-the-skies/ |url-status=live }} ZP801 arrived at Kinloss Barracks, the former home of the Nimrod, on 4 February 2020, filling a decade long gap in maritime capability.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/new-poseidon-maritime-patrol-aircraft-lands-in-uk-for-first-time/ |title=New Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft lands in UK for first time |publisher=Royal Air Force |website=raf.mod.uk |date=4 February 2020 |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-date=4 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204165359/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/new-poseidon-maritime-patrol-aircraft-lands-in-uk-for-first-time/ |url-status=live }} The Poseidon was declared combat ready in April 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-declare-poseidon-an-initial-operating-capability/ |title=RAF Declare Poseidon an Initial Operating Capability |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=3 April 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |archive-date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102024915/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-declare-poseidon-an-initial-operating-capability/ |url-status=live }} The Poseidon carried out its first operational mission on 3 August 2020, when the Russian warship Vasily Bykov was tracked.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/first-operation-for-raf-poseidon-tracking-russian-warship/ |title=First Operation for RAF Poseidon tracking Russian Warship |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=7 August 2020 |access-date=2 February 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116004229/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/first-operation-for-raf-poseidon-tracking-russian-warship/ |url-status=live }} A Poseidon MRA1 arrived at RAF Lossiemouth for the first time in October 2020. The ninth, and final Poseidon arrived at RAF Lossiemouth on 11 January 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/final-p-8-poseidon-maritime-patrol-aircraft-arrives-in-scotland/|title=Final P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft arrives in Scotland|first=George|last=Allison|date=11 January 2022|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111222229/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/final-p-8-poseidon-maritime-patrol-aircraft-arrives-in-scotland/|url-status=live}}

{{Further|AirTanker Services}}

No. 99 Squadron operate eight Boeing C-17A Globemaster III in the heavy strategic airlift role from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. Four C-17A were originally leased from Boeing in 2000,{{cite web |first=Roland |last=Gribben |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4460454/MoD-embarrassed-at-cost-of-Boeing-C-17-lease-deal.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4460454/MoD-embarrassed-at-cost-of-Boeing-C-17-lease-deal.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=MoD 'embarrassed' at cost of Boeing C-17 lease deal |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=31 July 2000 |access-date=15 October 2020}}{{cbignore}} These four were subsequently purchased outright,{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/review-turns-up-the-heat-on-eurofighter/56167.article |title=Review turns up the heat on eurofighter |website=FlightGlobal |date=22 July 2004 |access-date=15 October 2020 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802043800/https://www.flightglobal.com/review-turns-up-the-heat-on-eurofighter/56167.article |url-status=live }} followed by a fifth delivered on 7 April 2008 and a sixth delivered on 11 June 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080611c_nr.html |title=Boeing Delivers 6th C-17 to Royal Air Force |website=Boeing |date=11 June 2008 |access-date=15 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617105332/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080611c_nr.html |archive-date=17 June 2008}} The MOD said there was "a stated departmental requirement for eight" C-17s and a seventh was subsequently ordered, to be delivered in December 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/boeing-delivers-uk-royal-air-forces-7th-c-17-globemaster-iii/|title=Boeing Delivers UK Royal Air Force's 7th C-17 Globemaster III|date=17 November 2010|newspaper=Indian Defence Review|access-date=18 December 2022}} In February 2012 the purchase of an eighth C-17 was confirmed;{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport-367960/ |title=UK to buy eighth C-17 transport |work=Flight International |date=8 February 2012 |access-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213095909/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport-367960/ |archive-date=13 February 2012 |url-status=live }} the aircraft arrived at RAF Brize Norton in May 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-raf-c-17-aircraft-touches-down-in-the-uk |title=New RAF C-17 aircraft touches down in the UK |date=24 May 2012 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=12 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309174715/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-raf-c-17-aircraft-touches-down-in-the-uk |archive-date=9 March 2014 |url-status=live }}

The Airbus Atlas C1 (A400M) replaced the RAF's fleet of C-130 Hercules, initially replacing the C1/C3 (C-130K) which were withdrawn from use on 28 October 2013, having originally entered service in 1967.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/hercules-c130j// |title=C-130J Hercules |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118180550/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/hercules-c130j/ |url-status=live }} Based at RAF Brize Norton, the Atlas fleet is operated by No. 30 Squadron and No. LXX Squadron.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/atlas-c1-a400m/ |title=Atlas C.1 (A400M) |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024322/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/atlas-c1-a400m/ |url-status=live }} The first Atlas C1 (ZM400) was delivered to the RAF in November 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-uk-a400m-atlas-delivered-to-the-raf |title=First UK A400M Atlas delivered to the RAF |publisher=Ministry of Defence |website=gov.uk |date=27 November 2014 |access-date=11 December 2020 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519200648/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-uk-a400m-atlas-delivered-to-the-raf |url-status=live }} Originally, twenty-five A400Ms were ordered in the initial batch; the total initial purchase then dropped to twenty-two.{{cite web|access-date=14 April 2010 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |title=MOD signs contracts and agreements for new RAF aircraft and weapons |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/ModSignsContractsAndAgreementsForNewRafAircraftAndWeapons.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402093416/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/ModSignsContractsAndAgreementsForNewRafAircraftAndWeapons.htm |archive-date=2 April 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2017-07-12/4690|title=Hercules Aircraft: Written question – 4690|date=21 July 2017|website=UK Parliament|access-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730223240/http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2017-07-12/4690|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}} The final aircraft in the initial order of 22 aircraft was delivered in May 2023.{{Cite web |title=New Atlas transport aircraft delivered to UK |website=UK Defence Journal |last=Dunlop |first=Tom |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-atlas-transport-aircraft-delivered-to-uk/ |date=22 May 2023}} In February 2023, the Chief of the Air Staff indicated that up to six additional aircraft were planned for delivery by 2030.{{Cite web |title=Oral evidence: Work of the Chief of the Air Staff, HC 1108 |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence/12649/html/ |date=1 February 2023}} The C-130J Hercules was retired from RAF service on 30 June 2023.{{Cite web |date=8 June 2023 |title=Number 47 Squadron Mark the End of an Era with a Royal Parade |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-brize-norton/news/number-47-squadron-mark-the-end-of-an-era-with-a-royal-parade/ |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=Royal Air Force}}

No. XXIV Squadron acts as the Air Mobility OCU (AMOCU) for the Globemaster and Atlas,{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/xxiv-squadron/ |title=XXIV Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124160035/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/xxiv-squadron/ |url-status=live }} while No. 206 Squadron is the OEU.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/206-squadron/ |title=206 Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=4 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104104359/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/206-squadron/ |url-status=live }}

Air transport tasks are also carried out by the Airbus Voyager KC2/3, flown by No. 10 Squadron and No. 101 Squadron.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/voyager/ |title=Voyager |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=15 October 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110052005/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/voyager/ |url-status=live }} The first Voyager (ZZ330) arrived in the UK for testing at MOD Boscombe Down in April 2011,{{cite news |title=Voyager, biggest plane in RAF history, arrives in UK |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13125047 |newspaper=BBC News |date=19 April 2011 |access-date=20 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420125115/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13125047 |archive-date=20 April 2011 |url-status=live }} and entered service in April 2012.{{cite web |title=Airbus Military's A330 MRTT begins its service career with the UK Royal Air Force |url=http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/airbus-militarys-a330-mrtt-begins-its-service-career-with-the-uk-royal-air-force/ |publisher=Airbus |date=9 April 2012 |access-date=12 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113183452/http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/airbus-militarys-a330-mrtt-begins-its-service-career-with-the-uk-royal-air-force/ |archive-date=13 November 2013 }} The Voyager received approval from the MOD on 16 May 2013 to begin air-to-air refuelling flights and made its first operational tanker flight on 20 May 2013 as part of a training sortie with Tornado GR4s. By 21 May 2013, the Voyager fleet had carried over 50,000 passengers and carried over 3,000 tons of cargo.{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-voyager-launches-tanker-operations-with-tornado-386178/ |title=RAF Voyager launches tanker operations with Tornado |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=21 May 2013 |newspaper=Flight International |access-date=12 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609095614/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-voyager-launches-tanker-operations-with-tornado-386178/ |archive-date=9 June 2013 |url-status=live }} A total of fourteen Voyagers form the fleet, with nine allocated to sole RAF use (three KC2s and six KC3s).{{cite book |last1=Curtis |first1=Howard J. |title=Military Aircraft Markings |date=2019 |publisher=Crécy Publishing Ltd. |location=Manchester |isbn=978-1-91080-925-9 |page=93 |url=https://www.militaryaircraftmarkings.co.uk/ |access-date=11 February 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727083255/https://www.militaryaircraftmarkings.co.uk/ |url-status=live }} As the Voyagers lack a refuelling boom, the RAF has requested a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the USAF allowing the UK access to tankers equipped with refuelling booms for its RC-135W Rivet Joint .{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_07_05_2013_p0-593999.xml |title=RAF, USAF Work on Rivet Joint Refueling Deal. |publisher=Aviationweek.com |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=13 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114001641/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fawx_07_05_2013_p0-593999.xml |archive-date=14 November 2013 |url-status=live }}

Two Dassault Falcon 900XLs were procured in early 2022 to replace the RAF's fleet of four BAe 146s (two CC2s and two C3s) in the Command Support Air Transport role.{{cite web |url=https://des.mod.uk/aircraft-international-presence/ |title=DE&S procure new aircraft to enhance UK's international presence |website=Defence Equipment and Support |date=8 February 2022 |access-date=28 April 2023}} Known as the Envoy IV CC1 in British service, the aircraft are based at RAF Northolt and are operated by a mixed civilian and No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron crew. This arrangement will remain until 2026 when the fleet will be placed on the military register.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/latest-aircraft-into-raf-fleet-to-be-named-envoy-iv/ |title=Latest aircraft into RAF fleet to be named Envoy IV |website=Royal Air Force |date=18 May 2022 |access-date=28 April 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.centreline.aero/centreline-extend-csat-contract-with-ministry-of-defence/ |title=Centreline Extend CSAT Contract with Ministry of Defence |website=Centreline |date=28 November 2023 |access-date=15 August 2024}}

File:C17 Transport Aircraft Taking Off from RAF Brize Norton MOD 45156519.jpg|C-17A Globemaster III

File:RAF A400M Lands at RAF Brize Norton.jpg|Atlas C1 (A400M)

File:Royal Air Force, ZZ330, Airbus KC2 Voyager (42524680970).jpg|Voyager KC2 (A330 MRTT)

File:G-ZAHS, Envoy IV CC1 (Dassault Falcon 900LX) of 32 Sqn RAF at RAF Northolt, in its 'Global Britain' livery - 2022-12-06-1247-01.jpg|Envoy IV CC1

File:18 SQUADRON MOUNTAIN TRAINING MOD 45166840.jpg]]

RAF helicopters support the British Army by moving troops and equipment to and around the battlefield. Helicopters are also used in a variety of other roles, including in support of RAF ground units and heavy-lift support for the Royal Marines. The support helicopters are organised into the tri-service Joint Aviation Command (JAC), along with helicopters from the British Army and Royal Navy.{{cite web|date=1 July 1998|title=Strategic Defence Review|url=http://fissilematerials.org/library/mod98.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419022006/http://fissilematerials.org/library/mod98.pdf|archive-date=19 April 2016|access-date=30 December 2017|publisher=Ministry of Defence}} No. 22 Squadron, based at RAF Benson, is the OEU for JAC.{{cite web|date=14 May 2020|title=22 Squadron Re-Forms At RAF Benson|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/22-squadron-re-forms-at-raf-benson|access-date=26 May 2020|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728115950/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/22-squadron-re-forms-at-raf-benson|url-status=live}}

The large twin-rotor Boeing Chinook is the RAF's heavy-lift support helicopter.{{cite web|last=Baldwin|first=Harriett|date=7 December 2017|title=Chinook Helicopters: Written question – 116751|url=http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2017-11-30/116751/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211053234/http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2017-11-30/116751/|archive-date=11 December 2017|access-date=10 December 2017|website=UK Parliament}} Originally ordered in 1978,{{cite web|date=9 February 1978|title=Boeing Unit to Make Helicopters for U. K. In $200 Million Job|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/access/71581033.html?dids=71581033:71581033&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+09%2C+1978&author=&pub=Wall+Street+Journal&desc=Boeing+Unit+to+Make+Helicopters+for+U.+K.+In+%24200+Million+Job&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605030347/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/access/71581033.html?dids=71581033:71581033&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+09%2C+1978&author=&pub=Wall+Street+Journal&desc=Boeing+Unit+to+Make+Helicopters+for+U.+K.+In+%24200+Million+Job&pqatl=google|archive-date=5 June 2011|access-date=26 May 2020|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}} with subsequent orders in 1995,{{cite web|date=10 March 1995|title=Company News; Boeing and Westland Split British Helicopter Order |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/10/business/company-news-boeing-and-westland-split-british-helicopter-order.html|access-date=26 May 2020|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903200856/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/10/business/company-news-boeing-and-westland-split-british-helicopter-order.html|url-status=live}} 2011,{{cite web|date=16 June 2014|title=RAF flying high in new Chinook helicopters|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-flying-high-in-new-chinook-helicopters|access-date=26 May 2020|website=gov.uk|publisher=Ministry of Defence|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806143053/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-flying-high-in-new-chinook-helicopters|url-status=live}} and 2018 (yet to be finalised),{{cite web|date=19 October 2018|title=United Kingdom – H-47 Chinook (Extended Range) Helicopters and Accessories|url=http://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/united-kingdom-h-47-chinook-extended-range-helicopters-and-accessories|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409005317/https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/united-kingdom-h-47-chinook-extended-range-helicopters-and-accessories|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=26 May 2020|publisher=United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency}} the Chinook is operated by No. 7 Squadron, No. 18 (B) Squadron and No. 27 Squadron at RAF Odiham and No. 28 (AC) Squadron (Support Helicopter OCU) at RAF Benson.{{cite web|title=Chinook|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/chinook/|access-date=26 May 2020|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-date=24 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424223609/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/chinook/|url-status=live}} Since being first delivered in 1980,{{cite web|date=22 November 2020|title=Chinook arrival with Royal Air Force remembered|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/chinook-arrival-with-royal-air-force-remembered/|access-date=23 November 2020|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-date=22 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122102501/http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/chinook-arrival-with-royal-air-force-remembered//|url-status=live}} the Chinook has been involved in numerous operations: the Falklands War (1982); Operation Granby (1991); Operation Engadine (1999); Operation Barras (2000); Operation Herrick (2002–2014); Operation Telic (2003–2011); Operation Ruman (2017); and Operation Newcombe (2018–2022).{{cite web|date=24 March 2020|title=RAF Squadrons Receive Battle Honours from Her Majesty The Queen|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-squadrons-receive-battle-honours-from-her-majesty-the-queen/|access-date=26 May 2020|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326095235/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-squadrons-receive-battle-honours-from-her-majesty-the-queen/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Hurricane Irma Relief|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/what-we-do/overview/hurricane-irma-relief/|access-date=26 May 2020|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811160957/https://www.raf.mod.uk/what-we-do/overview/hurricane-irma-relief/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Tanguy|first=Jean-Marc|date=June 2020|title=Airlifters in Africa|magazine=Air Forces Monthly|publisher=Key Publishing Ltd.|pages=54–57}} The 60-strong fleet of Chinooks currently has an OSD in the 2040s.{{cite web|date=10 December 2015|title=Final new-build Chinook HC6s delivered to UK RAF|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/final-new-build-chinook-hc6s-delivered-to-uk-raf-419948/|access-date=26 May 2020|website=Flight Global|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072917/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/final-new-build-chinook-hc6s-delivered-to-uk-raf-419948/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Baldwin|first=Harriett|date=7 December 2017|title=Chinook Helicopters: Written question – 116751|url=http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2017-11-30/116751/|access-date=26 May 2020|publisher=UK Parliament|archive-date=11 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211053234/http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2017-11-30/116751/|url-status=live}}

{{main|UK Military Flying Training System}}

The UK's military flying training has been privatised through a public-private partnership, known as the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). Training is provided by Ascent Flight Training, a consortium of Lockheed Martin and Babcock International.{{Cite web|title=Ascent Flight Training|url=https://ascentflighttraining.com/|access-date=3 January 2020|website=ascentflighttraining.com|language=en-US|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215230742/https://ascentflighttraining.com/|url-status=live}} New aircraft were procured to reduce the training gap between the older generation Grob Tutor T1, Short Tucano T1 and Beechcraft King Air T1 aircraft, and the RAF's modern front-line aircraft, including advanced systems and glass cockpits. UKMFTS also relies far more on synthetic training to prepare aircrew for the front line, where advanced synthetic training is commonplace.{{cite web|title=UKMFTS Fixed Wing Aircraft Service Provision Contract Awarded|url=http://aerossurance.com/design/ukmfts-fw-asp-contract-award/|website=Aerossurance|date=2 February 2016|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817124601/http://aerossurance.com/design/ukmfts-fw-asp-contract-award/|url-status=live}}

The Grob Tutor T1 equips fifteen University Air Squadrons, which provide university students an opportunity to undertake an RAF training syllabus, which includes first solo, as well as air navigation, aerobatics and formation flying. These units are co-located with Air Experience Flights, which share the same aircraft and facilities and provide air experience flying to the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force. The Tutor is also flown by No. 16 Squadron and No. 115 Squadron based at RAF Wittering.{{Cite web|title=Tutor T1|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=3 January 2020|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|url-status=live}}

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons also provide air experience flying to cadets using the Grob Viking T1 conventional glider. Due to an airworthiness issue in April 2014, the Viking fleet and the Grob Vigilant T1 fleet were grounded for a two-year period, although Viking operations have subsequently resumed.{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=David|date=11 May 2018|title=RAF grounds its training gliders over safety fears|page=4|work=The Times|issue=72532|issn=0140-0460}} The Vigilant was unexpectedly withdrawn from service in May 2018, a year earlier than planned. A contract tender was initiated in February 2018 to replace this capability from 2022 onwards.{{cite web|title=Fixed-wing Light Aircraft Training System – Contracts Finder|url=https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7d0a3080-5b1c-4223-88b7-660c9488eb61?p=@8=UFQxUlRRPT0=NjJNT0|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116114055/https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7d0a3080-5b1c-4223-88b7-660c9488eb61?p=@8=UFQxUlRRPT0=NjJNT0|archive-date=16 November 2018|access-date=2018-02-26|publisher=Contractsfinder.service.gov.uk}}

The Grob Prefect T1 was introduced to RAF service in 2016 as its elementary trainer. The 23-strong fleet is based at RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath in Lincolnshire where they are operated by No. 57 Squadron. On completion of elementary training, aircrew are then streamed to either fast jet, multi-engine, or rotary training.{{Cite web|title=Prefect T1|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=3 January 2020|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|url-status=live}}

Basic fast jet training is provided on the Beechcraft Texan T1, which replaced the Short Tucano T1 in November 2019. The Texan is a tandem-seat turboprop aircraft, featuring a digital glass cockpit. It is operated by No. 72 (F) Squadron based at RAF Valley in Anglesey which provides lead-in training for RAF and Royal Navy fighter pilots prior to advanced training on the BAE Hawk T2. The first two Texans were delivered in February 2018 and by December 2018 ten aircraft had arrived at RAF Valley.{{cite journal|date=April 2018|title=First T-6C Texan IIs arrive at Valley|journal=Air Forces Monthly|issue=361|page=8}}{{cite web|last=Cone|first=Allen|date=22 February 2019|title=Britain tests Texan T1 training aircraft for first time|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/02/22/Britain-tests-Texan-T1-training-aircraft-for-first-time/6721550845337/|access-date=18 November 2020|website=United Press International|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108021221/https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/02/22/Britain-tests-Texan-T1-training-aircraft-for-first-time/6721550845337/|url-status=live}} Four additional Texans were delivered on 3 November 2020.{{cite web|date=3 November 2020|title=Four new Texan aircraft arrive at RAF Valley|url=https://www.affinityfts.co.uk/affinity-take-delivery-of-four-new-texan-aircraft/|access-date=18 November 2020|website=Affinity Flying Training Services|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204054532/https://www.affinityfts.co.uk/affinity-take-delivery-of-four-new-texan-aircraft/|url-status=live}}

The BAE Hawk T2 is flown by No. IV Squadron and No. XXV (F) Squadron based at RAF Valley. The latter provides initial Advanced Fast Jet Training (AFJT), while pilots who graduate on to the former squadron learn tactical and weapons training.{{cite web|title=XXV (F) SQUADRON|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/xxv-f-squadron/|access-date=15 October 2020|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019023529/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/xxv-f-squadron/|url-status=live}} After advanced training aircrew go on to an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) where they are trained to fly either the Typhoon FGR4 (No. 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby) or F-35B Lightning (No. 207 Squadron at RAF Marham) in preparation for service with a front-line squadron. The OCUs use operational aircraft alongside simulators and ground training, although in the case of the Typhoon a two-seater training variant exists which is designated the Typhoon T3.{{cite web|title=Operational conversion|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/operationalconversion.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101135332/https://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/operationalconversion.cfm|archive-date=1 January 2018|access-date=31 December 2017|publisher=RAF}}

On 15 October 2020, it was announced a joint RAF-Qatari Air Force Hawk squadron (similar to No. 12 Squadron) would be formed in the future.{{cite web|title=Second joint RAF & Qatari air force squadron intended for UK|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/second-joint-raf-qatari-air-force-squadron-intended-for-uk/|access-date=16 October 2020|publisher=Royal Air Force|archive-date=17 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017084035/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/second-joint-raf-qatari-air-force-squadron-intended-for-uk/|url-status=live}} On 1 April 2021, it was further elaborated that this squadron would be stood up in September 2021 at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/royal-air-force-and-qatar-emiri-air-force-expand-defence-partnership/ |title=Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force Expand Defence Partnership |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=1 April 2021 |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401172455/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/royal-air-force-and-qatar-emiri-air-force-expand-defence-partnership/ |url-status=live }} The Joint Hawk Training Squadron received its first two Hawk Mk.167s at RAF Leeming on 1 September 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-leeming-welcomes-first-qatari-hawks/ |title=RAF Leeming welcomes first Qatari Hawks |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=2 September 2021 |access-date=27 October 2021 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027220429/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-leeming-welcomes-first-qatari-hawks/ |url-status=live }} On 24 November 2021, the Joint Hawk Training Squadron became 11 Squadron QEAF when it reformed at RAF Leeming.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/new-joint-hawk-squadron-unveiled-during-reformation-event-at-raf-leeming/ |title=New Joint Hawk Squadron unveiled during Reformation Event at RAF Leeming |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=24 November 2021 |access-date=4 April 2022}}

Multi-Engine aircrew, weapon systems officer (WSO) and weapon systems operator (WSOp) students are trained on the Embraer Phenom T1. It is operated by No. 45 Squadron based at RAF Cranwell. Multi-engine aircrew then go to their Operational Conversion Unit or front-line squadron.{{Cite web|title=Phenom T1|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=3 January 2020|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172607/https://www.raf.mod.uk/|url-status=live}}

File:Royal Air Force Grob G-103A Viking TX1 Lofting-1.jpg|Viking T1

File:Grob G 115E EA-3.JPG|Tutor T1

File:EGVA - Grob G120TP Prefect T1 - Royal Air Force - ZM307 (48385816261).jpg|Prefect T1

File:Hawker Beechcraft T-6C Texan II N2824B (35871033230).jpg|Texan T1

File:RAF BAE Systems Hawk T2 Lofting-1.jpg|Hawk T2

File:EGVA - Embraer 500 Phenom 100 - Royal Air Force - ZM335 (48385967192).jpg|Phenom T1

File:Eurofighter Typhoon T.3 ‘ZK382 - BG’ (30750294326).jpg|Typhoon T3

No. 1 Flying Training School (No. 1 FTS) (formerly the Defence Helicopter Flying School) is based at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and provides basic helicopter pilot training for all UK armed forces. It flies twenty-nine Airbus Juno HT1. No. 1 FTS comprises two main elements, 2 Maritime Air Wing (2 MAW) and No. 9 Regiment.{{Cite journal|last=Dufton|first=Lieutenant Colonel Jon|date=2018|title=Foreword|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-shawbury/documents/raf-shawbury-aries-magazine-edition-3-2018/|journal=Aries|volume=3|pages=4–5|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723003739/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-shawbury/documents/raf-shawbury-aries-magazine-edition-3-2018/|url-status=dead}} 2 MAW includes No. 660 Squadron of the Army Air Corps (AAC) and 705 Naval Air Squadron and provide basic helicopter flying training. No. 9 Regiment comprises No. 60 Squadron of the RAF and No. 670 Squadron of the AAC in the advanced helicopter flying training. No. 202 Squadron is also part of No. 1 FTS and operates the Airbus Jupiter HT1 at RAF Valley.{{cite web|date=11 July 2018|title=202 Sqn Jupiter HT1 positioning for RAF100 flypast|url=http://www.202-sqn-assoc.co.uk/winter%202018.pdf|access-date=30 June 2019|publisher=202 Squadron Association|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817071911/http://www.202-sqn-assoc.co.uk/winter%202018.pdf|url-status=live}}

File:2019 Royal International Air Tattoo 1P4A8375 (48387276351).jpg|Juno HT1

File:H-145 Jupiter - RIAT 2018 (41932985800).jpg|Jupiter HT1

{{See also|Future of the Royal Air Force}}

File:RAF Wedgetail in flight.jpg

In July 2014, the House of Commons Defence Select Committee released a report on the RAF future force structure that envisaged a mixture of unmanned and manned platforms, including further F-35, Protector RG1, a service life extension for the Typhoon (which would otherwise end its service in 2030) or a possible new manned aircraft.{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/41309/uk-sets-out-post-2030-combat-aviation-force-structure|title=UK sets out post-2030 combat aviation force structure|publisher=Janes|date=29 July 2014|access-date=10 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820072232/http://www.janes.com/article/41309/uk-sets-out-post-2030-combat-aviation-force-structure|archive-date=20 August 2014|url-status=live}} In July 2018, at the Farnborough Airshow, the Defence Secretary announced a £2bn investment for BAE Systems, MBDA and Leonardo to develop a new British 6th Generation Fighter to replace Typhoon in 2035 under Project Tempest.{{cite news |author=Callum Jones |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/raf-unveils-2bn-plan-for-new-tempest-fighter-jet-and-it-has-lasers-8rxvjxkx0 |title=RAF unveils £2bn plan for new Tempest fighter jet (and it has lasers) | News |newspaper=The Times |access-date=2018-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717154220/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/raf-unveils-2bn-plan-for-new-tempest-fighter-jet-and-it-has-lasers-8rxvjxkx0 |archive-date=17 July 2018 |url-status=live }}

On 22 March 2019, the defence secretary announced the UK had signed a $1.98 billion deal to procure five Boeing E-7 Wedgetails to replace the ageing Boeing E-3D Sentry AEW1 fleet in the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) role.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/wedgetail-to-be-rafs-new-early-warning-radar-aircraft/ |title=Wedgetail To Be RAF'S New Early Warning Aircraft|publisher=Royal Air Force |date=22 March 2019 |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322111155/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/wedgetail-to-be-rafs-new-early-warning-radar-aircraft/ |archive-date=22 March 2019}} As of May 2020, the first E-7 is expected to enter RAF service in 2023 with the final aircraft arriving in late 2025 or early 2026.{{cite web|title=AWACS: Written question – 41916|url=https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-05-01/41916|last=Quin|first=Jeremy|date=11 May 2020|website=UK Parliament|language=en|access-date=12 May 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728115955/https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-05-01/41916|url-status=live}} In December 2020, it was announced that the Wedgetail AEW1 will be based at RAF Lossiemouth.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-surveillance-fleet-to-be-based-in-moray/ |title=RAF surveillance fleet to be based in Moray |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=18 December 2020 |access-date=20 December 2020 |archive-date=19 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219075717/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-surveillance-fleet-to-be-based-in-moray// |url-status=live }} The 2021 Defence Command Paper cut the Wedgetail order down to three aircraft. The Sentry AEW1s were officially withdrawn on 28 September 2021.{{cite web |first=Gareth |last=Jennings |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-retires-sentry-aew1 |title=UK retires Sentry AEW1 |website=Janes.com |date=28 September 2021 |access-date=3 November 2021 |archive-date=3 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103122529/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-retires-sentry-aew1 |url-status=live }}

In March 2021, the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy paper was published which announced the aim to procure a New Medium Helicopter (NMH) in order to replace the Puma HC2, Griffin HAR2 (in RAF service) and the AAC's Bell 212 AH1 and Eurocopter Dauphin AH1.{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971983/Defence_and_Security_Industrial_Strategy_-_FINAL.pdf |title=Defence and Security Industrial Strategy: A strategic approach to the UK's defence and security industrial sectors (CP 410) |website=gov.uk |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=26 March 2021 |access-date=3 March 2024 |page=99}} In May 2022, the MoD announced the beginning of the NMH competition, with the aim to acquire up to 44 helicopters.{{cite web |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/uk-s-new-medium-helicopter-nmh-programme |title=UK's New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme |website=scramble.nl |date=3 November 2022 |access-date=3 March 2024}} By November 2022, four companies qualified for the MoD's requirements: Airbus (H175M); Boeing (MH-139 Grey Wolf); Leonardo (AW149); and Sikorsky / Lockheed Martin (S-70 Black Hawk).{{cite web |first=Gareth |last=Jennings |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-downselects-new-medium-helicopter-contenders |title=UK downselects New Medium Helicopter contenders |website=janes.com |date=2 November 2022 |access-date=3 March 2024}} The Minister of State for Defence Procurement opened bidding for the competition, between Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK, in February 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/future-uk-military-helicopter-reaches-next-competition-stage |title=Future UK military helicopter reaches next competition stage |website=gov.uk |date=27 February 2024 |access-date=3 March 2024}}

{{Further|Royal Air Force roundels|Uniforms of the Royal Air Force}}

File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg]]

File:RAF Coat of Arms at RAF College Cranwell - geograph.org.uk - 407985.jpg on the gates of RAF College Cranwell]]

Following the tradition of the other British armed services, the RAF has adopted symbols to represent it, use as rallying devices for members and promote esprit de corps. British aircraft in the early stages of the First World War carried the Union Flag as an identifying feature; however, this was easily confused with Germany's Iron Cross motif. In October 1914, therefore, the French system of three concentric rings was adopted, with the colours reversed to a red disc surrounded by a white ring and an outer blue ring.Robertson 1967, p 89 The relative sizes of the rings have changed over the years and during the Second World War an outer yellow ring was added to the fuselage roundel. Aircraft serving in the Far East during the Second World War had the red disc removed to prevent confusion with Japanese aircraft.{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/theroyalairforceroundel.cfm|title=The RAF Roundel|publisher=RAF|access-date=31 December 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704214650/https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/theroyalairforceroundel.cfm|archive-date=4 July 2017}} Since the 1970s, camouflaged aircraft carry low-visibility roundels, either red and blue on dark camouflage, or washed-out pink and light blue on light colours. Most non-camouflaged training and transport aircraft retain the traditional red-white-blue roundel.

The RAF's motto is {{Lang|la|Per Ardua ad Astra}} and is usually translated from Latin as "Through Adversity to the Stars",Air Ministry Orders A.666/49, 15 September 1949 but the RAF's official translation is "Through Struggle to the Stars".{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/links/faqs.cfm |title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Royal Air Force |year=2011 |access-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810164309/http://www.raf.mod.uk/links/faqs.cfm |archive-date=10 August 2012 }} The choice of motto is attributed to a junior officer named J S Yule, in response to a request for suggestions from a commander of the Royal Flying Corps, Colonel Sykes.{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/theroyalairforcemotto.cfm|title=The Royal Air Force Motto|publisher=RAF|access-date=31 December 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132050/https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/theroyalairforcemotto.cfm|archive-date=1 December 2017}}

The badge of the Royal Air Force was first used in August 1918. In heraldic terms, it is: "In front of a circle inscribed with the motto {{Lang|la|Per Ardua ad Astra}} and ensigned by the Imperial Crown an eagle volant and affronté head lowered and to the sinister". Although there have been debates among airmen over the years about whether the bird was originally meant to be an albatross or an eagle, the consensus is that it was always an eagle.{{cite web|author=W/C F.H. Hitchins |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Commun/ml-fe/article-eng.asp?id=2605 |title=It's an albatross, it's an eagle ... it's an eagle |publisher=Forces.gc.ca |access-date=22 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609180626/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Commun/ml-fe/article-eng.asp?id=2605 |archive-date=9 June 2011 }}

{{main|Red Arrows}}

File:RIAT 2016 F-35B Typhoons Red Arrows.jpg in 2016|left]]

The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Waddington. The team was formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team, replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by RAF commands.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/teamhistory/history.cfm |title=Team History |publisher=Royal Air Force Arrows |access-date=31 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703025808/https://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/teamhistory/history.cfm |archive-date=3 July 2017 |url-status=live }} The Red Arrows badge shows the aircraft in their trademark Diamond Nine formation, with the motto {{Lang|fr|Éclat}}, a French word meaning "brilliance" or "excellence".

Initially, they were equipped with seven Folland Gnat trainers inherited from the RAF Yellowjacks display team. This aircraft was chosen because it was less expensive to operate than front-line fighters. In their first season, they flew at sixty-five shows across Europe. In 1966, the team was increased to nine members, enabling them to develop their Diamond Nine formation. In late 1979, they switched to the BAE Hawk trainer. The Red Arrows have performed over 4,700 displays in fifty-six countries worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/aboutus/|title=Red Arrows|publisher=Royal Air Force|access-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703031842/https://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/aboutus/|archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=live}}

{{main|Royal Air Force Music Services}}

Headquarters Royal Air Force Music Services, located at RAF Northolt, supports professional musicians who perform at events around the globe in support of the RAF. The Central Band of the Royal Air Force was established in 1920.{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafmusic/aboutus/centralband.cfm|title=Central Band of the Royal Air Force|access-date=31 December 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703034841/https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafmusic/aboutus/centralband.cfm|archive-date=3 July 2017}} Other bands include the Band of the Royal Air Force College, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafmusic/aboutus/thebandoftheroyalauxiliaryairforce.cfm|title=RAF – The Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force|website=raf.mod.uk|access-date=29 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229172329/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafmusic/aboutus/thebandoftheroyalauxiliaryairforce.cfm|archive-date=29 December 2016}}

{{main|Trooping the Colour}}

The Royal Air Force, and its predecessor, the Royal Flying Corps, has provided the flypast for Trooping the Colour since 1913. The RFC performed its first flypast for King George V's Official Birthday over Laffin's Plain, Aldershot.{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/trooping.htm |title=Trooping the Colour (The Queen's Birthday Parade) |website=army.mod.uk |date=4 September 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003095459/http://www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/trooping.htm |archive-date=3 October 2006 |access-date=16 May 2023}}

{{Portal bar|United Kingdom|Aviation}}

• List of all aircraft current and former of the United Kingdom
• List of military aircraft operational during World War II
• List of Royal Air Force stations
• Structure of the Royal Air Force
• Royal Air Force Air Cadets
• Royal Air Force Museum
• RAF News

{{NoteFoot}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book|last=Aloni|first=Shlomo.|title=Arab–Israeli Air Wars 1947–82|date=2001|publisher=Osprey|location=London|isbn=9781841762944}}
• {{cite book|last=Biddle|first= Tami Davis|title=Rhetoric and Reality in Air Warfare: The Evolution of British and American Ideas about Strategic Bombing, 1914–1945 |date=2002|publisher=Princeton University Press|location=Princeton|isbn=9781400824977}}
• {{cite book|last=Bowyer|first=Chaz|title=History of the RAF|publisher=Allen|location=London|date=1980|isbn=9780711010055}}
• {{cite book|last=Dean|first=Maurice|title=The Royal Air Force and Two World Wars|publisher=Cassell|location=London|date=1979}}
• Connolly, Corvin J. Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Cotesworth Slessor and the Anglo-American Air Power Alliance, 1940–1945 (Texas A&M Press, 2001).
• Cox, Jafna L. "A splendid training ground: the importance to the Royal Air Force of its role in Iraq, 1919–32." Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History 13.2 (1985): 157–184.
• Davis, Richard B. Bombing the European Axis Powers. A Historical Digest of the Combined Bomber Offensive 1939–1945 (Air University Press, 2006) [http://www.dtic.mil/get-tr-doc/pdf?AD=ADA450007 online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221011431/http://www.dtic.mil/get-tr-doc/pdf?AD=ADA450007 |date=21 December 2016 }}
• Gooderson, Ian. Air Power at the Battlefront: Allied Close Air Support in Europe 1943–45 (Routledge, 2013).
• Heaton, Colin D., and Anne-Marie Lewis. Night Fighters: Luftwaffe and RAF Air Combat Over Europe, 1939–1945 (Naval Institute Press, 2008).
• {{Cite book|last=Heyman|first=Charles|title=The Armed Forces of the United Kingdom (2014–2015)|publisher=Pen and Sword|year=2013|isbn=978-178346351-0|location=Barnsley}}
• Hoffman, Bruce. British Air Power in Peripheral Conflict, 1919–1976 (RAND, 1989) [http://www.dtic.mil/get-tr-doc/pdf?AD=ADA221996 online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728115956/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a221996.pdf |date=28 July 2020 }}, with bibliography
• {{cite book| title=The Military Balance 2010| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| editor=Hackett, James| year=2010| publisher=Routledge| location=London| isbn=978-1857435573| ref=IISS2010}}
• {{cite book| title=The Military Balance 2012| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| editor=Hackett, James|year=2012| publisher=Routledge| location=London| isbn=978-1857436426| ref=IISS2012 |url=https://archive.org/details/militarybalance20000unse_z1h4}}
• Lee, David. Eastward: a history of the Royal Air Force in the Far East, 1945–1972 (Seven Hills Books, 1984).
• Lee, David. Flight from the Middle East: A History of the Royal Air Force in the Arabian Peninsula and Adjacent Territories, 1945–1972 (HM Stationery Office, 1980).
• Maiolo, Joseph. Cry Havoc: How the arms race drove the world to war, 1931–1941 (2010)
• Miller, Russell. Boom: The Life of Viscount Trenchard, Father of the Royal Air Force (Weidenfeld, 2016) {{ISBN|978-0-29787-105-7}}
• Philpott, Ian, ed. Royal Air Force History: Royal Air Force – an Encyclopaedia of the Inter-War Years (2 vol 2008)
• Rawlings, John D.R. The History of the Royal Air Force (1984) well illustrated.
• Richards, Denis, and David Pilgrim. Royal Air Force, 1939–1945: The fight at odds (1954), the official history.
• Ritchie, Sebastian. "The RAF, Small Wars and Insurgencies: Later Colonial Operations, 1945–1975" (2011)
• {{cite book| last =Robertson|first= Bruce|title=Aircraft Markings of the World 1912–1967|publisher=London: Harleyford|year=1967|isbn=978-0900435096}}
• Saunders, Hilary. Per Ardua: The Rise of British Air Power, 1911–1939 (Oxford UP, 1945).
• Sinnott, Colin S. The RAF and Aircraft Design: Air Staff Operational Requirements 1923-1939 (Routledge, 2014).
• Smith, Malcolm. British Air Strategy Between the Wars (Oxford, The Clarendon Press, 1984).
• Smith, Gordon Scott. RAF War Plans and British Foreign Policy 1935–1940 (MIT Dept. of Political Science, 1966). [https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/49582 online]
• {{cite book |last= Spencer |first= Alex M |title= British Imperial Air Power: The Royal Air Forces and the Defense of Australia and New Zealand Between the World Wars |year= 2020 |publisher= Purdue University Press |location= Indiana |isbn= 978-1-55753-940-3 }}
• Werrell, Kenneth P. "The strategic bombing of Germany in World War II: Costs and accomplishments." Journal of American History 73.3 (1986): 702–713. [https://www.jstor.org/stable/1902984 online]

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{Official website}}
• [http://www.rafbf.org/ RAF Benevolent Fund]
• [https://uk.youtube.com/user/royalairforce The RAF channel on YouTube]

{{Royal Air Force}}

{{British Armed Forces}}

{{United Kingdom Ministry of Defence}}

{{Air forces in Europe}}

{{Air forces}}

{{Space forces}}

{{Allied Air Command}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1918 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Articles containing video clips

Category:British Armed Forces

Category:Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)

Category:Military of the United Kingdom

Category:Military units and formations established in 1918