Some 3000 RAF servicemen and women are currently deployed on operations around the world, including two combat theatres within Afghanistan and Iraq. Both of these operations being undertaken by the RAF are vitally important to the UK and, most importantly, to the people in those war-ravaged countries. Today, some 26 % of the RAF’s assets and 7 % of its personnel are deployed on operations whilst a significant proportion of those based in the UK are either committed to, or working in support of, operations.
Tornado and Harrier forces are providing vital offensive support to forces on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the RAF also plays an important coalition, as well as UK, intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance role with Nimrod. Battlefield mobility has become an essential feature of both operations. The Support Helicopter Force, in the shape of the Chinook, Merlin and Puma, are working under the most demanding environmental and threat conditions, something that was reflected in the recent Operational Honours to RAF personnel which included awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Military Cross. The Hercules Force is spending more time than ever operating from semi-prepared dirt strips and conducting airdrops of supplies while the Air Transport Force of TriStar, C17, Globemaster and VC10 is also working especially hard in the strategic airlift and air to air refueling roles.
But the Royal Air Force – agile, adaptable and capable – has achieved an enormous amount over the last few years aside from operations. It plays a crucial role in underpinning security in the Falkland Islands, protecting the airspace over the UK, providing a search and rescue service and, of course, is always prepared for the unexpected – the effort in rapidly delivering vital relief aid in Pakistan after the country’s earthquake was truly agile and expeditionary in nature and, most recently, contributed to the flood relief efforts in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. All are good examples of global, rapid effect that only air assets and air power can deliver.
In the UK changes have been brought about in deployable station structures, known as Expeditionary Air Groups and Wings, and have transformed the RAF’s footprint away from home. No 83 Expeditionary Air Group has been established in the Middle East to look after all of the RAF forces in the region. And 901, 902, 903, 904 and 905 Expeditionary Air Wings in the Middle East (901 and 902), Basra in Iraq, Kandahar in Afghanistan and RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands are all newly established. The RAF Regiment are closely involved in efforts to maintain the security of Basra and Kandahar airfields. The RAuxAF have provided valuable support across a range of specialties, including the RAF Regiment, movements and medical.
On the equipment front, the Typhoon force is building well and, on 29 June 2007 assumed operational status 
taking on the Air Defence of the south of the United Kingdom by holding Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) from RAF Coningsby. The process of delivering an air-to-ground capability on the aircraft is also well under way and it is expected that the aircraft will be ready and available to take its part in expeditionary operations in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The RAF has decided to acquire three Predator B Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), which will broaden surveillance capability substantially and is looking forward to bringing into service the Sentinel aircraft that are now arriving at Waddington. Sentinel will provide the UK with a world-leading new capability in the intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance environment. Project “Taranis” – the RAF’s major leap towards a pilotless combat aircraft – will be flying at the end of this decade to become the demonstrator aircraft that will inform future decisions on the mix of unmanned/manned aircraft for the RAF of the future.
Demonstrating exceptional agility and reach, the RAF has now deployed Harrier GR9A aircraft to Afghanistan. Already proving to be a force to be reckoned with, the Harrier GR9As bring enhanced targeting and endurance to operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
The Service took place in the commemorations to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, is looking forward to the arrival of the 6th C17 Globemaster aircraft and entry into service of new hi-tech airborne weaponry and equipment such as the new Listening targeting pod for the Tornado GR4s that are supporting forces in Iraq. And beyond that the RAF is looking ahead with pride to its 90th birthday in April 2008.
Developed from the RAF Strategy, the RAF now has an engagement strategy, from which has flowed the RAF Role Demonstration. The demonstration, which shows RAF aircraft and personnel in a quasi-operational scenario has met critical acclaim at air shows and won an award at the Biggin Hill Air Show for the most innovative display. The Role Demonstration allows the public to view the RAF operating as it would on operations.
It goes without saying that despite the twin pressures of operations and change, the RAF continues to provide a vital, unique and powerful contribution to Defence and the UK. And all with an eventual force level of just 41,000 personnel. The RAF’s efforts are valued as a force for good more than ever and its people are at the forefront of defending the UK and her interests abroad, strengthening international peace and security and ensuring it is fit for the challenges of today and the tasks of tomorrow.
Image 1: An RAF Harrier from 4 Sqn, takes off from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan - Photographer: Cpl Ross Tilly.
Image 2: 3(F) Squadron RAF Eurofighter Typhoon based at RAF Coningsby, Lincoln, England firing a MBDA ASRAAM missile. The missile fired was against the flare pack towed by a Mirach target drone and was fired at the Aberporth range in Cardigan Bay, Wales. - Photographer: Mr Geoffrey Lee.
[link not available]