As we wrap up an incredible year, it's an opportunity to pause and reflect on some of the remarkable achievements the RAF's Whole Force can be proud of from 2024.
From exercises and operations to sustainability efforts; the RAF has been busier than ever and always ready to fly and fight for another year.
International aid drop into Gaza
The RAF participated in a large-scale international aid airdrop into Gaza on 9th April 2024, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr. Led by the Jordanian Armed Forces, the operation involved nine nations and 14 aircraft, delivering hundreds of tonnes of aid.
The RAF Atlas, supported by personnel from RAF Brize Norton and the British Army, dropped over 10 tonnes of ready-to-eat meals, water, and rice along Gaza's northern coastline. Over a two-week period, the RAF delivered more than 53 tonnes of aid across six flights.
First RAF personnel graduate as Protector crews
Personnel from 54 Squadron, the Advanced Air Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Academy, and 56 Squadron became the first to complete the inaugural Basic Phase Course for the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1 at the General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc. Flight Test & Training Centre in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Equipped with a suite of advanced equipment and precision strike weapons, Protector provides critical armed surveillance capability and will be able to deploy against potential adversaries around the globe. The aircraft also flies in busy unsegregated airspace thanks to ‘detect and avoid’ technology with a potential endurance of over 30 hours.
RAF's Wedgetail first UK flight
The RAF’s Wedgetail E7 AEW Mk1 aircraft took its maiden test flight from Birmingham Airport in the UK, marking an important milestone in the delivery of this cutting-edge Airborne Early Warning and Control capability.
Capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions, Wedgetail will provide high fidelity and accurate target information utilising its cutting-edge Multirole Electronically Scanned Array housed in a distinctive fin on the spine of the aircraft. The sensor, combined with an advanced communications suite, enables the crew to provide tactical control to other assets via voice and tactical data link whilst enhancing the situational awareness of Joint Force commanders.
A400M Atlas 10th anniversary
The A400M Atlas transport aircraft celebrated its 10th anniversary, after the now 22-strong fleet was delivered to RAF Brize Norton in 2014.
Atlas has excelled during relief operations in the Caribbean and contributed to the military response to COVID, transporting patients, equipment & vaccines. It played a pivotal role in the evacuation of people from Afghanistan and Sudan, and delivered supplies by air drop in Gaza this year.
The Atlas is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that can deliver 37 tonnes of cargo over long distances, reach challenging, remote locations, and operate from short, unpaved runways.
Firmin Sword of Peace Award 2023
The RAF Global Enablement's Medical Force received the Firmin Sword of Peace Award for its outstanding humanitarian contributions during 2023.
This prestigious award recognises Royal Navy, Army, RAF, and Joint Service Units for fostering positive relationships between the UK Armed Forces and communities worldwide, in the previous year.
"It's an honour to present RAF Global Enablement’s Medical Force with the 2023 Firmin Sword of peace for their dedication, resilience, and professionalism. The commitment shown by our Regular and Reservist personnel represents the very spirit of service and excellence that the RAF stands for."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff
201 Squadron Privilege of Guernsey
"Guernsey's Own" 201 Squadron, along with representatives from the RAF Lossiemouth Pipe Band, visited Guernsey to commemorate 30 years since they were awarded the Privilege of Guernsey. The trip also included visits to local areas, several marches, and many smiled shared as the Squadron celebrate the Island that has played a fundamental part in their identity.
Royal Auxiliary Air Force mark 100th Anniversary
Thousands of spectators gathered to celebrate 100 years of volunteer reserve service in the RAF of volunteer reserve service in the RAF by taking part in a unique parade in-front of Buckingham Palace. The King’s Colour Squadron of the RAF and colour parties from nine Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons were on parade, followed by the Squadron Standards of 502 (Ulster) Squadron, 600 (City of London) Squadron, 601 (County of London) Squadron, 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, 605 (County of Warwickshire) Squadron, 2503 (City of Lincoln) Squadron, 2620 (County of Norfolk) Squadron, 2622 (Highland) Squadron, 2623 (East Anglian) Squadron, and led by the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force from RAF Cranwell.
This was the first time that the Sovereign’s Colour of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force had been paraded at Buckingham Palace.
RAF commemorates D-Day 80
RAF personnel were heavily involved in D-Day 80 commemorations with flypasts, ceremonial events, re-enactments, educational programs, and international collaborations. The RAF ensured the legacy of D-Day is remembered and celebrated, inspiring future generations to appreciate the values of courage, sacrifice, and unity.
First female Provost Marshal Warrant Officer and Warrant Officer Air Security Force
Warrant Officer Adele Good was appointed as the first female Provost Marshal Warrant Officer and Warrant Officer Air Security Force.
This role sees Warrant Officer Good involved in all areas of RAF Police business as well as mentoring RAF Police personnel, ensuring the welfare of our people and maintaining high professional and personal standards.
"It is an absolute privilege and honour to be appointed as the Provost Marshal Warrant Officer and Warrant Officer Air Security Force. I look forward to the challenges and successes ahead representing and serving the professional, talented and committed RAF Police and ASF personnel, who will be at the heart of everything that I do."
Warrant Officer Good
Sustainable fuel
An RAF Typhoon made history when it completed its first public display on a blend of sustainable fuel and regular jet fuel at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).
Flown by Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull of the RAF Typhoon Display Team, the aircraft used a 35% blend of sustainable fuel in a great step forward in the RAF’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions, as part of the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy.
Red Arrows Diamond Season
The Red Arrows celebrated 60 years of dynamic displays during their display season this year.
The nine strong team unveiled a new artwork on their Hawk jets, acknowledging the diamond anniversary and patriotic colours. The team also flew in new manoeuvres not seen for a generation, performing 50 displays and 22 high-profile flypasts across the UK, mainland Europe and Canada.
3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean
A team made up of RAF Regiment Gunners called the Atlantic Rocks, rowed an incredible 3,200 nautical miles in 61 days, 19 hours, 14 minutes from Lanzarote to Antigua.
The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was made even more challenging by weather conditions, but is an incredible display of perseverance and accomplishment.
