ROYAL AIR FORCE
A crew member runs to a Royal Air Force Merlin HC3 helicopter based at RAF
Benson, after landing in the Californian Desert during pre-Afghanistan training
Combat Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnais- sance (ISTAR) – Tornado GR4 & REAPER Nothing moves on the ground in Af- ghanistan without direct or indirect Air cover, Air Land Integration being criti- cal to the success of the Coalition mis- sion in Afghanistan. The Tornado GR4 & REAPER provide cutting edge technology offering multiple strike and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) ca- pabilities leading to precise targeting and excellent situational awareness. These assets provide persistent cover for the whole of Afghanistan, whilst only need- ing the support of approximately 100 personnel (half of a squadron).
Expeditionary Air Wings The Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) con- cept has its origins in World War II when EAWs were established so that the Royal Air Force could project Allied Air Power all around the world. This expeditionary nature of Britain’s forces changed during
Clearly,
protection of our people is their primary concern
the Cold War era in a way that signalled a move to largely static forces with a home defence pos- ture being adopted by western military forces. However, the end of the Cold War has seen a dramatic shift of focus back to expeditionary operations. As a result of the need to provide a
more agile, adaptable and scaleable RAF to meet the demands of modern expe- ditionary operations, the EAW concept was re-introduced in April 2006. This renewal of the concept is to enable the RAF to provide a more inter-operable, ca- pable and effective projection of modern expeditionary air power. As now, future overseas deployments of the RAF will be based upon the deployment of an EAW.
A specially painted Jaguar aircraft takes to the skies over RAF
Coningsby for a final flight before retiring from service in 2007
Force Protection (FP) – RAF Regi- ment. RAF Police, RAF Fire Service There is more to the RAF than simply air- craft, the RAF Regt, Police and Fire service making a real and sustained contribution to the Afghanistan campaign. Clearly, protection of our people is their primary concern. These combat support elements ensure freedom of Air Operations by ensuring fa- vourable conditions on the ground. They are central to allied FP operations at both Kandahar and Bastion - protecting the Mission and the personnel.
www.armedforcesday.org.uk SHOW YOUR SUPPORT 39
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