Aircraft based at RAF Brize Norton have played a key role in carrying out the evacuation operation of British citizens from Sudan.
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The aircraft from the RAF’s Air Mobility Force, including C-17 Globemaster, A400M Atlas, and C-130J Hercules, have been flying sorties from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to Sudan to carry out the critical evacuation operation.
In addition, the Air Mobility Force aircraft operated between RAF Brize Norton and RAF Akrotiri to ensure the support force, of over 1500 UK Armed Forces personnel, was positioned ready to conduct the operation on the UK Government’s orders, and that it continued to remain appropriately supported.
Deputy Commander Operations of the RAF, Air Marshal Harv Smyth said:
“The ability of the Air Mobility Force, and all our associated supporting units, to conduct this operation with such pace and precision, demonstrates our flexibility and agility to utilise air power at range, at a moment’s notice, to protect UK citizens anywhere across the World.
"This is especially true as the RAF are concurrently supporting other critical operations such as for Ukraine and across the Middle East. I'm immensely proud of our team, who continue to pull out all the stops and have been brilliant throughout”.
Air Marshal Harv Smyth
Deputy Commander Operations of the RAF
The evacuation flights were carried out by A400M Atlas and C-130J Hercules aircraft, flying from Wadi Seidna, North of Khartoum. After arriving at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus, evacuees were then returned to the UK on board Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) chartered aircraft. Concurrently, RAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft were conducting sorties carrying equipment to Sudan and the wider region to support the ongoing operations.
In addition to these vital sorties, the RAF also deployed members of Number 1 Squadron, RAF Regiment to provide security at landing sites in Sudan, alongside RAF Police to assist the evacuees. Air Movements personnel were also deployed to manage logistics, and 24/7 command and control was supported by Number 11 Group, at Headquarters Air Command in Buckinghamshire.
As part of the initial sorties, RAF Voyager aircraft transported elements of 16 Air Assault Brigade to Cyprus, together with additional RAF personnel to augment the British Forces already based on the island. The RAF had also deployed additional support, including chefs from 3 Mobile Catering Squadron, medics from Tactical Medical Wing and communication technicians from 90 Signals Unit.
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