The Royal Air Force - A Force For Good In The World

Some 3000 RAF servicemen and women are currently deployed on operations around the world, including two combat theatres within Afghanistan and Iraq. Both of these operations being undertaken by the RAF are vitally important to the UK and, most importantly, to the people in those war-ravaged countries. Today, some 26 % of the RAF’s assets and 7 % of its personnel are deployed on operations whilst a significant proportion of those based in the UK are either committed to, or working in support of, operations. The RAuxAF have provided valuable support across a range of specialities, including the RAF Regiment, movements and medical.

OPERATION TELIC

The Royal Air Force provides key air force elements in Iraq and elsewhere in support of National and Coalition forces involved in Operation Telic – to help Iraqis develop effective security forces that will assist re-build the Country and support the democratically-elected Government of Iraq. The RAF Regiment are closely involved in efforts to maintain the security of Basra airfield.

Iraq’s problems will not be solved overnight. A level of violence that we would find unacceptable in the West is likely to remain in Iraq for some time. We continue to encourage and support the Iraqi Government to find Iraqi solutions to Iraqi problems.

We have already handed over security responsibility to the Iraqis in three of our four provinces in the south of Iraq, and, in line with our goals, we are reducing our force levels as the capacity of Iraqi Security Forces grows.

OPERATION HERRICK

It is in our national interest to be in Afghanistan. We do not want the country once again to be a base for international terrorism that threatens us. The only long-term solution is to support the democratic Afghan Government.

We are operating as part of a multinational mission. The international community is united in its desire to prevent Afghanistan once again becoming a failed state. Many nations are offering military, financial and political assistance.

The Royal Air Force's involvement in Afghanistan dates back to October 2001 when RAF aircraft provided reconnaissance and air-to-air refuelling capabilities in support of US strike aircraft on Operation Enduring Freedom. In December 2001 the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which aimed to assist the Afghan Transitional Authority in creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kabul and its surrounding area, was created; it now comprises 37 nations. In 2003 NATO assumed command of ISAF; Stage One and Two of ISAF expansion saw ISAF move into the North and West of Afghanistan. Stage Three of ISAF expansion, which came into effect on 31 July 2006 saw ISAF move into Southern Afghanistan. It is here that the RAF is providing major support in order to aid ISAF in its mission of facilitating reconstruction and the extension of government authority.

UNITED NATIONS OPERATIONS

RAF personnel are deployed from time to time across the world in support of UN operations, currently we have personnel in support of the mission to monitor the demilitarised zone between north and south Korea, on operations in Africa and in support of the peace keeping operations in Lebanon. These commitments frequently change.

OTHER RAF RESPONSIBILITIES

But the Royal Air Force – agile, adaptable and capable – has achieved an enormous amount over the last few years aside from operations. It plays a crucial role in underpinning security in the Falkland Islands, protecting the airspace over the UK, providing a search and rescue service and, of course, is always prepared for the unexpected – the effort in rapidly delivering vital relief aid in Pakistan after the country’s earthquake was truly agile and expeditionary in nature and, most recently, contributed to the floof relief efforts in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. All are good examples of global, rapid effect that only air assets and air power can deliver.