Armed Forces Week is a poignant time to honour and recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our people. In 2023 alone, more than 7,000 RAF personnel supported over 40 operations in more than 70 countries.
The RAF personnel, made up of RAF Regulars, Reservists, and Civilians have demonstrated unwavering resilience and cutting-edge expertise in the face of evolving global challenges. From strategic defence operations to critical humanitarian missions, the RAF continues to exemplify its commitment to excellence and service.
As we approach the halfway mark of the year, with personnel currently deployed on operations across the globe, here however is a look back at some of our most significant contributions to national security and international cooperation in 2023.
United Kingdom
Last year, Quick Reaction Alert was launched nine times, providing 24/7/365 protection of the UK’s airspace.
On the ground, our personnel supported UK Security by providing ambulance drivers to the NHS and assisting the UK Border Force at ports and airports.
Europe
In Europe, the RAF conducted their annual NATO Air Policing Mission to Estonia. This mission enhances the air defence of NATO Allies as part of NATO’s Air Policing mission. This deployment lasted nearly six-months and included 12 major exercises, and operations with 22 Allied nations.
Last year, the RAF continued to facilitate UK government support to Ukraine by providing training to Ukrainian military personnel and also a robust airbridge. This included nearly 150 passenger flights and over 120 equipment flights. Over 14,000 Ukrainians were flown to the UK for military training.
Middle East
In 2023, the RAF continued to conduct Operation Shader in the Middle East as part of the international counter Daesh coalition. In addition, following the 7th October 2023 attack by Hamas, the RAF contributed to the recovery of entitled personnel from Israel.
Also following the Hamas attack, the RAF conducted Operation Underhill, transporting humanitarian aid to Egypt to be delivered to civilians in Gaza, involving 13 sorties and the movement of 215 personnel.
US-Based Activities
During 2023, the RAF continued to work with one of our closest allies by taking part in major exercises in the United States.
These exercises included the RAF’s annual participation in Exercise Red Flag where for the first time, the concept of Agile Combat Employment was incorporated into the exercise. This saw the RAF Typhoon aircraft forward deploying to austere operating bases.
Another deployment was to Exercise Northern Edge, which saw 617 Squadron F-35 aircraft deploy to Alaska for complex coalition air combat training with over 200 5th generation aircraft from the US, UK, and Australia.
British Forces South Atlantic Islands
In the Falkland Islands, the RAF continued to provide 24/7 airspace surveillance and quick reaction alert over British Territory in the South Atlantic.
Africa
In Africa, in addition to supporting ongoing UK military operations, the RAF was part of a major evacuation operation. Codenamed Operation Polar Bear, the RAF evacuated over 2,400 entitled persons and more than 1,200 nationals from Sudan.
Indo-Pacific
In 2023, the RAF’s main contribution to the government’s Indo-Pacific tilt policy was to take part in the US-led Exercise Mobility Guardian. This exercise, the largest of its kind to date, saw Voyager and Atlas aircraft, supported by Tactical Medical Wing, deployed to the Indo-Pacific. This included a record-breaking 22-hour non-stop flight from the UK to Guam.
