RAF Cottesmore has an important role and a high profile, and this looks set to continue into the future. On 1 April 2000, Joint Force Harrier - one of the key initiatives to come out of the Strategic Defence Review - was formed. In the current crisis Joint Force Harrier will see RAF Harriers and Royal Navy Sea Harriers operating as part of a combined force, able to present a significant and credible threat of force in support of UNSCR 1441.

The Harrier Force is now flying the Harrier GR9/9A and shortly the whole fleet will be converted through utilising the proficient skills of RAF engineers and BAE Systems working in partnership at RAF Cottesmore. The Harrier Force is committed to support our coalition partners in Afghanistan and recently a roulement of aircraft delivered the first GR9As into our theatre of sustained operations.

RAF Cottesmore’s vision for the future is to develop a world-class operational and training deployment base to support expeditionary Harrier operations, employing both Royal Air Force and Royal Navy personnel.