As 2024 draws to a close, the Royal Air Force (RAF) reflects on an action-packed year filled with significant milestones, operational success, and continued efforts to enhance capability and sustainability, according to a recent press release.
Among the year’s highlights, the RAF participated in a large-scale international aid airdrop into Gaza on 9th April 2024. Coordinated with nine other nations and 14 aircraft, this operation, timed to coincide with Eid al-Fitr, saw the RAF deliver over 53 tonnes of aid, including ready-to-eat meals and water. “The RAF delivered more than 53 tonnes of aid across six flights,” the release states.
2024 also marked a pivotal moment for the RAF’s unmanned capabilities, with personnel from 54 and 56 Squadrons becoming the first to complete the Basic Phase Course for the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1. This aircraft, equipped with advanced equipment and precision strike weapons, will significantly enhance the RAF’s surveillance and operational reach, capable of global deployment with over 30 hours of endurance.
The press release highlighted that “Protector provides critical armed surveillance capability and will be able to deploy against potential adversaries around the globe.”
In terms of technological milestones, the RAF’s Wedgetail E7 AEW Mk1 aircraft took its maiden flight in the UK, a key step in enhancing the RAF’s Airborne Early Warning and Control capabilities. “Wedgetail will provide high fidelity and accurate target information,” according to the press release, noting the aircraft’s advanced Multirole Electronically Scanned Array and communications suite.
On the ground, the RAF marked the 10th anniversary of the A400M Atlas transport aircraft, with the fleet continuing to provide vital logistical support for humanitarian missions, including evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan, and aid drops in Gaza. “Atlas has excelled during relief operations in the Caribbean and contributed to the military response to COVID,” the release noted.
Other notable achievements included the award of the Firmin Sword of Peace Award to RAF Global Enablement’s Medical Force, in recognition of their outstanding humanitarian work in 2023. The press release quoted “The commitment shown by our Regular and Reservist personnel represents the very spirit of service and excellence that the RAF stands for.”
The RAF also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force with a special parade at Buckingham Palace, highlighting the enduring legacy of volunteer reserve service.
The RAF’s commitment to sustainability was demonstrated with a Typhoon completing its first public display on a blend of sustainable and regular jet fuel at the Royal International Air Tattoo, marking a significant step in the RAF’s net-zero goals. “An RAF Typhoon made history when it completed its first public display on a blend of sustainable fuel and regular jet fuel,” the release noted.
The Red Arrows, too, had a momentous year, celebrating their 60th anniversary with dynamic displays and the unveiling of new designs on their Hawk jets. “The team also flew in new manoeuvres not seen for a generation,” according to the update.
Warrant Officer Adele Good made history as the first female Provost Marshal Warrant Officer and Warrant Officer Air Security Force, underscoring the RAF’s ongoing commitment to diversity and leadership. “It is an absolute privilege and honour to be appointed as the Provost Marshal Warrant Officer,” she said in the press release.
These achievements, combined with the RAF’s ongoing operational readiness and sustainability efforts, showcase the Royal Air Force’s dedication to adapting, evolving, and leading in a rapidly changing global security landscape.
As reflected in a statement by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, “The RAF has continued to deliver with distinction this year, and we look forward to maintaining this momentum into 2025 and beyond,” as quoted in the press release.
be a short list then,
This has to be a Xmas joke, right? Everyone (except the public) must be aware that the RAF has only 30 combat ready Typhoons on any one day – and those withouth the latest ECRS radar – the F35b fleet is without British missiles due to lack of software upgrades not to mention the RAF Hercules fleet sold off on the cheap the RAF is not capable of defending the nation without NATO
These sort of “reasuring” press releases should be banned – the public needs to know what is actually the true state of affairs with defence
This post just demonstrates how little you David understand about the RAF and our Armed Force’s as a whole. Just give it a rest with this utter garbage
Sad state of affairs for the RAF. A declining air force that will be heavily reliant on NATO to defend our borders in a future conflict. Reserves are getting smaller and Regulars over worked. Still a long way from a ‘whole force approach’.
As mentioned in the comments of others I am sick of the false impression created by the press releases. Our military is going backwards in terms of personnel and numerical. equipment strength. Germany, Italy and Spain are all buying more Typhoons yet Britain cuts back numbers. The Atlas cannot do all the things that a c130 can do. The atlas is noiser and cannot land of very short unpaved landing zones. The C130 is much better for special forces work. DEI is destroying .the services. More are leaving than joining. All well and good dropping tons of food and water in Gaza and trying to act like the secret santa to countries all over the world but we don’t have enough money to keep millions of our pensioners warm in winter. Things are seriously wrong in our system. Let’s hope someone with sense in power can sort this growing mess out.
Following the comments of others I am sick of the false impression created by the press releases. Our military is going backwards in terms of personnel and numerical. equipment strength. Germany, Italy and Spain are all buying more Typhoons yet Britain cuts back numbers. The Atlas cannot do all the things that a c130 can do. The atlas is noiser and cannot land of very short unpaved landing zones. The C130 is much better for special forces work. DEI is destroying .the services. More are leaving than joining. All well and good dropping tons of food and water in Gaza and trying to act like the secret santa to countries all over the world but we don’t have enough money to keep millions of our pensioners warm in winter. Things are seriously wrong in our system. Let’s hope someone with sense in power can sort this growing mess out.
Atlas is noisier? is that the best you can come up with? Not double the range or payload of a Hercules. More survivable ect.
More spin than Shane Warne in his pomp could muster!