RAF ISTAR

Royal Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance: Official news from current and future RAF ISTAR capabilities

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

A riveting collaboration. 🤝✈️

RAF and @usairforce Rivet Joints united on Exercise Red Flag.

@RAFWaddington

#ExerciseRedFlag2026 #RivetJoint

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

Ever spotted a Shadow in the skies?

This Sunday we’re going subsonic to spotlight one of the RAF’s lesser‑known but highly capable aircraft: the Shadow R1.

#Capability

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

@NATO @UKinIceland Read more about 120 Squadron and P-8A Poseidon here: https://t.co/sZpCjCnako

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

📍 Keflavik, Iceland

The RAF’s 120 Squadron supports @NATO’s Peacetime Vigilance Activity.

This deployment builds on the Squadron’s historic ties with Iceland, forged during WWII and highlights the UK’s commitment to NATO and the North Atlantic. 🌍✈️

@UKinIceland

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

Following a period of system testing and evaluation the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail WT001 conducted a further Functional Check Flight today as it departed @ModBDN en route to @bhx_official as it progresses to the next stage of its modification and test activities.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

The P8A Poseidon is central to defending our seas and deterring Russian aggression.

Great to be with my friend Boris Pistorius @RAFLossiemouth today seeing the fantastic crew in action.

The UK and Germany are working ever more closely together to step up on NATO security.

[RAF Waddington @RAFWaddington]

This week, RAF Waddington and RAF Coningsby took part in the Great Lincolnshire Exhibition, showcasing innovation, technology and teamwork.

Featuring Storm Shroud, Protector, Gladiator, Typhoon and the Red Arrows, driving the Next Generation RAF. ✈️

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

Find out more about 31 Squadron: https://t.co/SsblOuHQVA

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

From the skies of India to today’s digital battlespace, No. 31 Squadron has led the way for over a century.

The Goldstars shine on as the RAF’s first Protector RG Mk 1 unit - precision, legacy, and innovation in flight.✨

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

We see you… 👀

#StrongerTogether #AlwaysVigilant #SecuringTheSkies

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

Read more here: https://t.co/TcTyK6Rf2l

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

Always watching.

✈️ RAF Rivet Joint & Poseidon, with USAF KC-135 support, patrolled NATO’s Eastern Flank.

In response to Russia’s unlawful incursions, this mission shows NATO’s unity and readiness to defend its airspace. 💪

#WeAreNATO #AlwaysReady #StrongerTogether

[RAF Waddington @RAFWaddington]

RAF Waddington was honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, our Honorary Air Commodore, to mark the retirement of the MQ-9 Reaper after 18 years of service. Operated by XIII Sqn, it’s now succeeded by the next-gen MQ-9B Protector.

#WeAreWaddo #ISTAR #RoyalAirForce

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

1 week to go. 🎥

Actor @CliveStanden spent 7 days with 1 Air Mobility Wing at @RAFBrizeNorton, supporting the front line of UK air operations.

The full story drops in 7 days.

Not acting. Just action.

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

Find out more about Protector: https://t.co/H13Ybhat9h

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

✈️ After 18 years of service, the RAF’s MQ-9 Reaper has flown its final operational mission.

🕐 173,000 hours flown
🌍 Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria
➡️ Will be replaced by the cutting-edge Protector RPAS

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

The RAF’s latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), the Protector RG Mk1, has started deployed assurance testing and operator training in preparation for its replacement of Reaper’s operational role within Op Shader.

[Boeing UK @BoeingUK]

His Majesty King Charles III joined #TeamBoeing at the stand up parade of 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron.

The celebrations were held at @RoyalAirForce Lossiemouth, the home of the UK’s #P8 Poseidon and future E-7 #Wedgetail.

More: https://t.co/NGqbCmLxwS

📷© Crown Copyright

[The Royal Family @RoyalFamily]

“By providing world-leading training to our allies, you contribute to a shared commitment to peace, security and co-operation across the globe.”

At RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland, The King has attended the Stand-Up Parade for Number 42 Torpedo Bomber Squadron.

[RAF Lossiemouth @RAFLossiemouth]

Meet 120 Sqn's new mascot: Sgt Clarkey! 🦅

The mascot will be used to document the Sqn's adventures for friends, family, and our followers. 📸

Can any Squadron historian's out there guess where the name is from? 🤔
#maritimemonday