RAF View

Defence journalist, analyst and commentator. Former RAF Officer. Views expressed are entirely in a personal capacity.

[RAF View @RAFView]

@pinstripedline If it has a land-based tanker or refuel it

[RAF View @RAFView]

Not a surprise but a mammoth undertaking for RIAT to move.

[Royal International Air Tattoo @airtattoo]

RIAT to move to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027.

This decision is an important step in securing the long-term future of RIAT, giving greater certainty for the thousands of visitors, volunteers, partners and supporters who make the event so special each year.

️🎟️ Already booked your tickets? Your booking is unaffected and remains valid for RIAT at MOD Boscombe Down. If you have booked an enclosure, we’ll be in touch soon.

🔗Find answers to frequently asked questions here: https://t.co/Cc54Blsruz

[RAF View @RAFView]

@Gabriel64869839 The Gp Capt on the right was until recently OC 99 Sqn (C-17). Perhaps the presence of an air mobility expert was a coincidence, maybe not

[RAF View @RAFView]

On this inclement night an RAF P-8 Poseidon is headed out into the Atlantic on a search & rescue mission. Good luck all.

[RAF View @RAFView]

@BO3673 @StephenGrove19 It was a reply to a PQ

[RAF View @RAFView]

In the 2024-25 financial year guess how much the MoD spent on hotel accommodation for civil servants.

Thank god for Teams meetings otherwise lord knows how much more the actual bill of £67,459,818.40 would have been

[RAF View @RAFView]

@StephenGrove19 @BO3673 Maybe, but £67million is a ridiculously high figure.

[RAF View @RAFView]

@StephenGrove19 @BO3673 Just civil servants

[RAF View @RAFView]

This caught my attention today - in 1985 MacAir pitched the C-10 (based on the DC-10-30) to replace the VC-137 in the Presidential fleet. The 747 (VC-25) won.

[RAF View @RAFView]

Another view of one of two 17 TES F-35Bs at Miramar show. Both had arrived from NAS Point Mugu after the end of Ex Gray Flag.

[RAF View @RAFView]

@JonA2i With pooling of jets it’s impractical to have them all marked up, but both F-35 and Typhoon fleets should have single aircraft sporting the markings of each squadron. Great for Sqn ethos, morale, and for PR.

[RAF View @RAFView]

Good to see some tail markings on a Brit F-35 (17 Test & Eval Sqn based at Edwards AFB).

[RAF View @RAFView]

@shashj When it comes to reading out press releases standing outside MOD Main Building nobody can touch the BBC. Similarly trying to pin CivCas on the RAF.

[RAF View @RAFView]

@RAFBrizeNorton The aircraft will be more secure at civilian airports.

[RAF View @RAFView]

We have the capability and recent experience in Cyprus,
so at what point will the RAF get tasked to help fight the fires across the UK? It’s going to be an enduring commitment after all

[RAF View @RAFView]

@Rotorfocus @RoyalAirForce @LukePollard You’d think MOD media would have made something of this

[RAF View @RAFView]

@GenGJenkinsRM Thought you were Welsh?

[RAF View @RAFView]

@GarethJennings3 I’ve always favoured ‘drizzle’

[RAF View @RAFView]

201 Squadron P-8 Poseidon is responding to a maritime distress beacon in the vicinity of point Portpatrick/Stranraer

[RAF View @RAFView]

The second UK Wedgetail AEW1 (E-7A) is airborne on its first post-conversion flight from Birmingham.