Summit at RAF Brize Norton forges closer defence ties between UK and France

The UK and France have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation following a Summit at RAF Brize Norton today.  A communiqué signed b y the Prime Minister David Cameron and... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF deployed to Juba

A RAF C-17 containing emergency blast wall protection for the UN Mission in South Sudan has today been deployed to Juba. Her Majesty’s Government today announced that the UK is providing airlift support to the UN Mission in South Sudan in... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Flt Lt Noel Rees takes over the hot seat as the 2014 Typhoon display pilot

Following on from one of the longest seasons on record, The 2013 Typhoon Display pilot, Flt Lt Jamie, ‘Noz’ Norris has handed over the reins to the 2014 pilot, Flt Lt Noel Rees. Flt Lt Norris began his... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

The Dambusters final flight

It was born in battle, created to carry out one of the most daring raids of World War II. Now, more than 70 years later, the RAF Squadron known as ‘The Dambusters’ have flown their final mission. OC 617 Sqn, Wg Cdr David Arthurton will... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

The story of why the UK went into Afghanistan and its work there since

A joint government document explaining why the UK went to Afghanistan in 2001, and what has happened since then, has been published. The MoD has teamed up with... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Film and TV opportunities for partners, ex-service and those on resettlement

Charlie Rotheram and Xander Rawlins, left the Forces in 2012 and set up Soldier In Blue, to provide ex servicemen and service families with opportunities to work within the film and TV industry. Charlie Rotheram writes: "We provide both... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF ejection seat pin 'Entirely useless'

The Coroner has criticised Martin Baker, the manufacturer of the ejection seat, for failing to warn the RAF of defects which led to the death of Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Sean Cunningham in... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Military personnel to deploy to the Somerset Levels

As flooding on the Somerset Levels reaches crisis point a request has gone to the MoD for military assistance. A spokesman for the MoD has said: "Military officers will help plan what... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF in support of “Normandy 70”

The MoD has announced that it will support commemorations this summer to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings in France, taking place 5-6 Jun 14. Personnel from all three Services will provide logistic and ceremonial support to the commemorations, known as... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

"The MoD wants a private sector company to run its bases"

The Financial Times reports that MoD is expected to appoint a private sector partner to manage its entire military estate, from airfields to training bases. The piece names Serco, Capita and Telereal Trillium as the three consortiums competing for the... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

North Yorkshire RAF Reserves are Top Gunners

Personnel from a North Yorkshire RAF Regiment Reserve Squadron based at RAF Leeming are leading the way after being awarded the top Auxiliary honour for improving the good name and honour of the... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Money Fit with Money Force

Money Force would like to gauge the level of interest in their website and are keen to hear your degree of satisfaction and any ideas you may have for improvement. Please help by answering their questions. Some RAF personnel... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

£760m investment in Merlins and Apaches

The MoD has secured a multi million pound MoD contract to future-proof two fleets of military helicopters. The move will safeguard thousand of UK engineering and manufacturing jobs as well as highly skilled, technical posts at sites across... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Plans for DRAGON at RAF Waddington fire up Service Chiefs

DEFENCE chiefs have backed a multi million pound package to extend pioneering cyber training at RAF Waddington until 2019.  The move means airmen and soldiers will continue to train to fight together on state of the... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF's most complex air exercise of the year

RAF aircraft are taking part in Red Flag, the most complex air exercise of the year, which started at Nellis Air Force Base on Monday. The RAF squadrons have joined 150 aircraft from the US armed forces and Royal Australian Air Force for three weeks of intensive training in the... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF Operational Update

RAF Operational Update for the period 18-24 Jan 14. 83 Expeditionary Air Group (83 EAG), based in the Middle East, is responsible for the strategic delivery of RAF air power in support of UK and coalition operations in an 8 million square mile joint operating area, including... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Courses for partners looking to achieve sustainable employment

2014 sees further additions to the LifeWorks programme with LifeWorks Families; a course for the spouses and partners of service personnel who are looking to achieve sustainable employment. Designed around the often difficult circumstances of coping with... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

IX (Bomber) Sqn arrive in Nellis for Ex Red Flag

IX (Bomber) Sqn from RAF Marham arrive at United States Air Force Base, Nellis, Navada for Ex Red Flag. 7 Tornado GR4 fast jets from the Norfolk RAF Station arrive for... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Job Vacancy - OFFICE MANAGER, RAF Families Federation, Wittering

The post of Office Manager at the RAF Families Federation has become available. The job is a full-time position. Salary £17,079*-£18,976 (*Starting salary) and is based at Wittering. Closing date for... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Efficient working day and night - RAF's 906 EAW one year on

Wg Cdr John Hough, Commanding Officer of the RAF’s 906 Expeditionary Air Wing (906 EAW) in the Middle East has led a sunset ceremony to celebrate 906 EAW’s First Anniversary. In the space of one year 906 EAW has ramped up as an... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Compare and contrast - 617 Sqn RAF

The Daily Mirror has published a feature on the 'The Dambusters', 617 Sqn and compares the famous Second World War squadron with its modern counterparts in Afghanistan... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Early bird ticket offer for RIAT closes 31 Jan 14

Those planning to be at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford to celebrate the Red Arrows’ 50th display season have until the end of this month to take advantage of specially-priced... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

70 RAF Medics are included in the final tranche of redundancies

Details of the fourth and final set of armed forces redundancies have been announced by the Defence Secretary. It includes 70 medical personnel from the RAF.  The report from the MoD stated: 'The restructuring of the armed forces is a... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Our stories in RAF News - Obtaining Credit is not easy

Periodically in RAF News the Federation uses the evidence RAF family members have provided to illustrate a topic of concern.  This time we hear from a family who found they were being denied credit. This seems to be becoming more and more of an issue amongst those in the RAF and... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

"It is an absolutely amazing thing the RAF has arranged"

On Monday morning one of the RAF’s C-130J Hercules aircraft, captained by Sqn Ldr Philps, took off from its home at RAF Brize Norton and headed to Newquay International Airport where it picked up 14 year old Garvey Evans who is recovering from a... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Problems obtaining credit is widespread for those in the RAF

Concern has been shown because personnel and family members find it difficult, or are unable to, obtain credit. Please help us build a case by sharing your experience (anonymously). Survey of only 6 questions... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF Fire fighter achieves universally recognised qualification

RAF Fire Fighter, SAC Sam Dodwell, from RAF Brize Norton, scored a notable achievement when he became the first person in Defence to attain the NVQ Level 3 in Emergency Fire Service Operations. The award was presented by... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Military stocks of Viagra stolen

The Times reports that military stocks of Viagra (used for medicinal purposes to treat such conditions as low blood pressure and altitude sickness) are among equipment worth more than £7 million stolen from... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF Typhoon... take a trip with the best

Take a trip with Typhoon Display Pilot Flt Lt Jamie Norris. Experience the thrills of flying back seat in the RAF's Typhoon frontline jet fighter. This film features highlights of an ultra-low level mission over the stunning scenery of... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF organise a day to try other nations weaponry

Personnel from the RAF’s 904 Expeditionary Air Wing made international co-operation come alive on the ranges at Kandahar Airfield when they invited other nations to met to practice with each... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

RAF twins on the crest of a wave

Twins, Cpls Ross and Richard Phillips, both serving in the RAF, have been selected for the GB Wakeboarding Boat Squad 2014. Ross and Richard join long-standing professional wakeboarder Matt Crowhurst in the... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Inquest hears of concerns over ejection seat

The inquest into the death of Flt Lt Sean Cunningham has heard of concerns about the ejection seat parachute system.... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Orders for the F-35 Lightning II

Today, the Telegraph reports that the MoD is close to placing its first major orders for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, with an award for about 14 of the stealth... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Training on the Chinook HC6 commences at RAF Odiham in the Spring

The MoD has confirmed that the first three of 14 Boeing Chinook HC6 for the RAF have arrived in the UK and will be ready to enter service later in 2014. Training on the new... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Investment in new night-vision and laser equipment

The MoD has invested in new night-vision and laser equipment that will enable troops to spot potential threats earlier and better protect themselves against... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Change of Command at RAF Akrotiri

Gp Capt Chas Kennett has taken over as Stn Cdr of RAF Akrotiri from Gp Capt James Linter. In an interview with Carla Prater of... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Your experience of military healthcare is sought by MPs

The Defence Committee yesterday announced a major new inquiry into the support given to members of the Armed Forces, both regulars and reservists, wounded in the service of their country and to their... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Parents fined £1,000 for taking their children out of school during term time

Media outlets report that a MoD guard and his wife have been fined nearly £1,000 for taking their children out of school during term time.  So what are the new rules? And how do they apply to the children of Service... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

CAS praises progress during his first visit to Afghanistan

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, praised the armed forces during his visit to Afghanistan which included meeting the Tornado detachment at... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Laser pen attackers are targeting RAF aircraft

It has been reported that RAF aircraft are amongst hundreds of aircraft targeted by laser pen attackers.  The report further says the RAF flights... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Falling behind on the world stage?

Ex US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has suggested that with the large scale cut backs to the UK Armed Forces the UK will no longer be able a full partner with the US. It is thought the comments will further the debate... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Inclusive workplaces for lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel

The MoD has won the award for ‘Most Improved Employer’ in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2014. The award is given to the employer who... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

UAS at RAF Waddington - Striking precisely at those who pose a risk

Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Francois toured RAF Waddington today to view the full scope of the UK’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) capability.  Mark Francois spoke to... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Homecoming parade for 2 Sqn RAF Regt

No 2 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, based at RAF Honington, returned home from a demanding six month tour in Afghanistan in November and this... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Are too many quitting the Armed Forces?

A Defence Select Committee Announcement on the MoDs Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 conclude that the Armed Forces have significant shortages in key specialists... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

WWI Diaries have been posted online by the National Archives

Diaries of those who served during WWI have been posted online by the National Archives. To read the piece on the... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

One Wild Winter - Tue 14 Jan at 9pm

Programme of RAF interest. Tomorrow evening Tue 14th Jan 14 at 9pm on BBC 4.  The winter of 2012 was one of the coldest, longest and busiest on record in the... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

New Car Discounts from today

A new discount programme launched today could save armed forces members and their families thousands of pounds on the cost of a new car. The Defence Discount Service car... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Prince William on Flt during its busiest year

Newspapers report that Prince William's RAF search and rescue unit was the busiest in the country last year.  C Flight 22 Sqn was scrambled 323 times from... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Family Mediation can Help

The Government is campaigning to encourage those going through separation or divorce to use mediation. Family mediators are trained to help resolve disputes encountered during... More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link