Royal Air Force – Page 7 – The Defense Post

Dec- 2023 -

5 December

Personnel from across the Royal Air Force have deployed to Norway on Exercise Arctic Phoenix. The deployment, based out of airfields in Orland and Bardufoss, will see Global Enablement elements and IX(B) Squadron test their Agile Combat Employment capabilities in challenging Arctic conditions to prepare for future exercises in the region while training alongside their Norwegian military counterparts in the air and on land to further strengthen interoperability as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force.

UK, Norway Practice Cold Weather Survival in the Arctic

The UK Royal Air Force and Norwegian counterparts have trained their cold weather survival skills above the Arctic Circle.

1 December

Air

Pictured is a Royal Air Force Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft releasing a torpedo for the first time. In a training flight conducted over the Moray Firth a Poseidon (P-8A) aircraft operated by 120 Sqn, RAF Lossiemouth, dropped a recoverable exercise variant of the Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo, simulating an attack on a submarine. The MK 54 is an advanced lightweight anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedo Which can be used in both deep and shallow waters. It is capable of tracking, classifying, and attacking underwater targets. Five Mark 54’s can be carried in the Poseidon's internal weapons bay. The high-explosive warheads on the live torpedoes pack a devastating punch sufficient to destroy enemy submarines that the Poseidon crew can locate and track using state-of-the-art equipment.

Rojoef Manuel

UK to Equip Poseidon Maritime Aircraft With Enhanced Sting Ray Torpedo

The UK has selected the Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo as the next ordnance for the Royal Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

Nov- 2023 -

29 November

Air

A Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster arrived in Egypt on the 23rd of November 2023 to deliver UK Aid. The fourth UK aircraft carrying humanitarian aid landed in Al Arish, Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza. The RAF flight carried 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 4,500 blankets and 4,500 sleeping mats for distribution by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: The RAF continues to deliver on the UKs commitment to helping those in need by operating flights into the region to provide urgent humanitarian support which will save civilian lives. The UK is driving international efforts to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, working closely alongside partners and allies to de-escalate the situation.

Rojoef Manuel

UK Flies More Humanitarian Aid to Egypt for Gaza

The UK Royal Air Force has made another airlift to Egypt to support Gaza civilians following Israel’s bombardment for several weeks.

20 November

Air

On the 30th of September 2023, The new Royal Air Force (RAF) Protector MQ-9B Aircraft was delivered to RAF Waddington by an Antanov AN 124-100M aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) USA. On the 6th of October 2023, Protector MQ-9B was assembled at RAF Waddington working with RAF 31 Sqn engineers and GA-ASI personnel. Protector is the RAF's newest platform and is operated by the newly reformed 31 Sqn based at RAF Waddington. Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B) is the successor to Reaper (MQ-9A) and is the next generation of remotely piloted medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) aircraft. Protector will be deployed in wide-ranging armed Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations where its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours will offer the RAF a vastly improved armed ISTAR capability.

Rojoef Manuel

First Royal Air Force MQ-9B Protector Drone Completes Maiden Flight

The UK Royal Air Force’s first MQ-9B Protector drone has completed its maiden flight in Lincoln.

3 November

Air

A second UK flight carrying equipment that will support humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving supplies to Gaza arrived in Egypt today. This will be followed by a number of flights to deliver 30 tonnes of vital equipment such as forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers, which have been specifically requested by UK partners in the region, including the Egyptian Red Crescent. RAF delivers another large load of essential equipment to Middle East, consignment includes · Generators · Forklift trucks · Pallet trucks, including 2 for rough terrain Fuel store · Conveyor belt loader · Vehicle service kits The equipment will be set up close to the Rafah border crossing increasing the capacity of agencies to manage and deliver significant quantities of aid to those in Gaza. Rafah is currently the only entry point for aid into Gaza. This is the second Royal Air Force humanitarian flight from Brize Norton and follows the delivery of 21 tons of essential supplies, including wound care packs and water filters, which arrived in Egypt last week and was handed over to partner agencies working on the ground in Gaza.

Rojoef Manuel

UK Conducts Egypt Airlift to Deliver Lifesaving Supplies to Gaza

The UK Royal Air Force has conducted an airlift operation to Egypt to support humanitarian agencies in delivering lifesaving supplies to Gaza.

Oct- 2023 -

24 October

Air

A UK Protector RG Mk 1 drone is seen on a runway, seemingly moments before takeoff.

Juster Domingo

UK Royal Air Force Receives First Protector Drone

The UK Royal Air Force has received its first Protector RG Mk 1 drone at Waddington Air Base following its assembly by the RAF's 31 Squadron.

Sep- 2023 -

19 September

Air

Pilot wearing Striker II helmet. Photo: UK Royal Air Force

Rojoef Manuel

BAE to Deliver Striker II Pilot Helmets for British Typhoon Fleet

The UK has signed a contract with BAE Systems to produce Striker II Digital Helmet-Mounted Displays for Royal Air Force Typhoon pilots.

Aug- 2023 -

14 August

Air

Staff Writer With AFP

UK Scrambles Jets to Intercept Russian Bombers North of Scotland

UK jets were scrambled morning to respond to two Russian bombers flying north of the Shetland Islands in Scotland.

Jul- 2023 -

28 July

Air

California Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules aircraft fly in tight formation the Pacific Ocean, California

Rojoef Manuel

US Air Force, Allies Bolster Logistics Support Partnership

The US Air Force and counterparts from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada collaborate to enhance combined logistics support.

28 July

Air

Rojoef Manuel

UK Royal Air Force Adopts Lanza 3D Radar by Indra

The UK Royal Air Force has announced the integration of a three-dimensional radar solution for added airspace surveillance capability.

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