RAF Honington News

ASTRA Has Landed

RAF Honington was proud to host the brief on ASTRA here today; the Chief of the Air Staff’s campaign to build a Next Generation Air Force.

Deputy Commander Capability (DCom Cap), Air Marshal Andrew Turner CB CBE MA MSc FRAeS CCMI RAF was accompanied by Air Officer Commanding No.2 Group (AOC 2 Gp), Air Vice-Marshal A Gillespie CBE MA BSc RAF, arriving at the Station by Air and met on the ground by Station Commander Group Captain Matt Radnall.

The visit provided Station personnel, including our very own ASTRA Ambassadors, the opportunity to engage with senior leadership on the Next Generation Air Force, the future of the Service and ultimately how this can benefit RAF Honington; the home of Force Protection. Still working under the conditions imposed by COVID19, attendees were limited with all personnel invited to join the brief via Panopto.

Station elements were able to demonstrate current Force Protection capability and developments within the Force Protection Force.  The Force Protection Centre highlighted the utility of Remote Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) in support of air operations as already being used at several Main Operating Bases for the purpose of Force Protection and Security.  Force Protection Centre subject matter experts also provided an insight into the use of the Synthetic-Complex Air Ground Environment, a critical command and control training facility regularly used by UK and European Forces. 

Wider RAF Regiment and RAF Police Force Elements, specifically from 7 Force Protection Wing put on an exceptional demonstration within the airfield Complex Air Ground Environment Training Facility highlighting the integrated capabilities of the current Force Protection Force as it stands now and how this will be developed in support of the next generation RAF. 

Overall, RAF Honington successfully demonstrated how we support Air Power wherever it may be by showcasing the talent and skills of the Whole Force as it delivers the RAF Mission.

Force Protection Centre SME’s highlight the use of the Remote Piloted Air Systems (RPAS)
Force Protection Centre SME’s highlight the use of the Remote Piloted Air Systems (RPAS)
DCOM Cap AM Turner leads the ASTRA brief
DCOM Cap AM Turner leads the ASTRA brief
DCOM Cap AM Turner with the Sky Mantis from Evolve Dynamics at the Force Protection Centre
DCOM Cap AM Turner with the Sky Mantis from Evolve Dynamics at the Force Protection Centre
DCOM Cap AM Turner addresses Station ASTRA Ambassadors
DCOM Cap AM Turner addresses Station ASTRA Ambassadors

All images are crown copyright and courtesy of RAF Honington.

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