The RAF plays a vital role in defending the United Kingdom.

Defending UK skies

Our primary role is to defend UK airspace. Our citizens depend on us to keep one step ahead of any potential threat. We’re fully prepared for this task – with superb personnel, cutting-edge technology, high-quality surveillance and intelligence, and the capacity to mount a rapid response to any situation.

Quick Reaction Alert (QRA)

The RAF has aircraft, aircrews and ground crews on a permanent state of high alert, ready for immediate action. If any aircraft threatens the integrity of UK airspace, RAF crews are ready to intercept. This is known as Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).

What’s it like to be part of QRA?

It’s about being ‘….ready to spring into action at any time, day or night’ says Flight Lieutenant Phil Stewart. The northern QRA is based on a purpose-built site at RAF Leuchars. It ‘encompasses everything required by the whole team, with the set-up centred on getting an aircraft airborne in a very short time...’

Superior air power

The Eurofighter Typhoon is our latest fighter. It’s sophisticated, versatile, agile and very, very fast. To defend UK airspace we rely on superior air power. This involves using the Typhoon itself, as well as the powerful sensors and weapon systems it carries. Even before these high-tech aircraft are called into action, they act as a strong deterrent against attack.

Reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and surveillance

Reconnaissance or ‘recce’ means building up information about an enemy. The RAF has Intelligence Officers and Intelligence Analysts applying their skills to data from a variety of sources. The information they piece together provides vital ‘defence intelligence’ in peacetime and in conflict.

Getting the best picture

The United Kingdom Air Surveillance and Control System (UK ASACS):

This is an advanced computer-based system. It generates vital information on all aircraft flying within the UK air defence region. We call this a ‘Recognised Air Picture’, or RAP.
We use this information to assess any possible threat and follow the situation as it develops. If an aircraft is flying without permission, we need to decide how to deal with it quickly. If the threat is real, we may need to intercept it.