Members of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) have had a firsthand experience of the UK’s aerial defence capabilities, as RAF Typhoons on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) intercepted their flight from Brussels to Glasgow.
The demonstration took place over the North Sea, just off the east coast of England, as part of the Typhoons’ regular training exercises.
These training exercises ensure that the QRA teams are prepared to respond to potential threats in or near UK airspace, such as a commercial airliner not communicating or an unscheduled military aircraft.
The QRA missions are conducted by Typhoons based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Lossiemouth in North Scotland.
Crews are on standby 24/7 and ready to react at a moment’s notice, reaching a threat within minutes, regardless of the location within or just outside the UK’s airspace.
QRA regularly collaborates with NATO neighbours to ensure a coordinated response to any potential threat travelling from one country’s airspace, known as their Flight Information Region (FIR), to another.
The UK’s commitment to NATO Air Policing in Eastern Europe also sees RAF Typhoons stationed in Estonia, patrolling the eastern border of NATO and responding to potential threats in the same manner as they do over the UK.
UK QRA is outstanding but given the growing UAV / cruise missile threat etc will the UK consider the establishment of an effective ground to air missile defence system for strategic bases.Talk of collaboration re CAMM-MR development in following is encouraging.
https://defence24.com/armed-forces/polish-air-defence-enters-a-new-era-commentary
Agree, we have discussed that at length recently. We have been expeditionary in nature for too long and there needs to be some movement in this area.
Do we have any sky sabre units in the UK ,know some in Poland and a unit in the Falklands but UK ?
Assume so, but I’ve no idea how many systems we even bought, it’s all a bit shrouded in secrecy. I’d read 18, I’d read 24. The parent regiment, 16 RA, had 4 Fire Batteries when it had Rapier FSC. 1 of which would be detached to the Falklands at any one time. Assume that is still the set up now, but how many Batteries have the new systems I’ve no idea. You’d guess at least 2 with the Battery in Poland plus the one down south. Assume other systems with the School of RA at Larkhill ( 14 RA )… Read more »
Thanks Daniele 👍
UK’s ordered 11 Giraffe 1A radars for frontline air defence/counter battery, one will be fitted to the XV Patrick Blackett.
https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2023/saabs-giraffe-1x-wins-uk-ministry-of-defence-orders
Did QRA at Coningsby, Wildenrath and Mount Pleasant. Ground crew on F4 Phantoms. 24 hours work 24 off. Managed to develop my cooking skills as well as playing chess and Monopoly.
Did you manage to squeeze in a few hours sleep?
Whilst on Q we were allowed to lay on a standard RAF bed but with boots on. This was important as we could be scrambled in the early morning hours. We also had to carry out 4 hourly pre-essential checks on the aircraft. I remember once being scrambled at 0230 hrs. This was a highly unusual time as generation exercises where we were scrambled before the rest of the base was called in to arm all serviceable aircraft. The start time used to be 0400 to 0700 for this type of exercise. So running to the aircraft and seeing the… Read more »
Loads of friends who have not served in the military laugh at my stories. But I point out that if your flying and military aircraft come up to within a few feet of your wing tip displaying its weapons then Im sure the humour would evaporate along with a sticky wet patch in one trouser region.