We have both permanent commitments and temporary deployments overseas. We, like the other Armed Forces, have an important role to play in international operations supporting the United Nations (UN) and NATO.

Fortunately, combat is rare. So we’re dedicated to being a peacekeeping force as well as a fighting force.

Permanent commitments

The Falkand Islands

We have Eurofighters, Typhoons, Sea King helicopters, a Hercules transport aircraft and a VC10 tanker permanently based in the Falkland Islands at Mount Pleasant airfield.

After war or political unrest, a country’s situation can be fragile. We work to create stability in these islands – to deter any potential aggressor and literally ‘keep the peace’.

Peacekeeping and anti-terrorism

Afghanistan

Our work, particularly in the wake of recent terrorist actions, has focused on anti-terrorism drives. We are part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led by NATO and authorised by the UN, working with our partners to allow Afghanistan to rebuild itself.

Making a difference

Whether it means preventing a civil war, restoring a democratic government or thwarting terrorist actions, it’s what our work is really about.

We have to be there, taking the right action and making fast and accurate decisions.

What are conditions like in Afghanistan?

Wing Commander Bruce Hedley of 3 Squadron was deployed out to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
‘…. temperatures have dropped to a more comfortable 34 degrees, but the wind can still be an issue. Yesterday, for example, it really picked up and the resultant sandstorm really brought the visibility right down.’
Amazingly, despite such testing conditions, he went on to say:
‘morale is really good’ and that ‘people do feel they are making a difference out here’.