Global operations
The RAF is continuously engaged in a wide-range of operations and training exercises around the world and in space with our partners and allies.
The RAF is continuously engaged in a wide-range of operations and training exercises around the world and in space with our partners and allies.
Click on round markers for operation info.
Combatting cyber threats
UK and global
Ongoing
The RAF are committed to protecting the UK and ally territories against cyberspace attacks, safeguarding military IT networks from intrusions, and ensuring communications are secure.
Quick Reaction Alert (QRA)
UK and global
Ongoing
RAF’s ongoing commitment to protecting the skies of the UK and allies air space.
Supporting our civilian partners
UK
Ongoing
The RAF provide aircraft, specialist equipment, and specialist knowledge to support rescue services in emergencies.
British Forces South Atlantic Islands
Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Ongoing
RAF provide air defence and transport support to operations in the South Atlantic, mostly from Ministry of Defence base Mount Pleasant Complex.
Operation Biloxi
Eastern Europe
Ongoing
RAF aircraft conduct Operations to protect the Eastern border in Romania and Estonia. This is an ongoing commitment to NATO Air Operations.
Operation SHADER
Iraq and Syria
2014 - ongoing
Operation Shader is the RAF's ongoing commitment to combating Daesh in Iraq and Eastern Syria, as part of the international coalition against terrorism.
UK Space Command
UK and global
2021 - ongoing
UK Space Command is the RAF’s ongoing commitment to making space safe, secure and sustainable for all generations, by protecting the UK and allies space domain against cyberspace attacks.
Exercise Soaring Falcon
Qatar
Annually
A series of regular deployment with the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) to build interoperability and develop capabilities. The RAF shares two joint nation squadrons with Qatar: 11 Squadron and 12 Squadron.
Exercise Virtual Flag
New Mexico
Annually
Exercise Virtual Flag sees the RAF and US partners train in Virtual Battlefield scenarios, at Kirtland Air Force Base, in New Mexico. Participants have been training together in a full spectrum of air, land, surface, space, and cyber warfighting regularly since 2009.
Exercise Austral Endurance
Antarctica
Annually
Exercise Austral Endurance is an annual exercise that sees RAF personnel support the British Antarctic Survey, by providing airdrop resupply missions to their Antarctic Bases.
Exercise Pitch Black
Australia
Annually
The RAF deploy to Australia’s Northern Territory to participate in the largest annual exercise run by the Royal Australian Air Force, developing skills such as Air-to-Air refuelling and interoperability.
Exercise Red Flag
Nebraska, USA
Annually
Exercise Red Flag is a series of exercises run by the United States Air Force in Alaska. It is the largest high intensity air war fighting exercise in the world, with RAF aircraft training alongside the Australian Royal Air Force.
Exercise Magic Carpet
Oman
Exercise Cobra Warrior
UK
Biannual
This is the largest exercise run by the RAF, seeing the culmination of various Qualified Weapons Instructor courses and training in a High intensity simulated war fighting scenario with NATO Allies and partner nations.
Exercise Bersama Lima
Malaysia
2023
The RAF trains with the our Commonwealth allies in Malaysia, to strengthen the interoperability and coordination of the five military powers (the UK, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore). The RAF will next participate in 2023.
Exercise Arctic Challenge
Sweden
2023
The RAF in Europe’s largest air power exercise building collective security and defence skills, with aircraft and troops from the UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, France,
Germany, Netherlands, USA, and NATO partners.
Combatting cyber threats
UK and global
Ongoing
The RAF are committed to protecting the UK and ally territories against cyberspace attacks, safeguarding military IT networks from intrusions, and ensuring communications are secure.
Quick Reaction Alert (QRA)
UK and global
Ongoing
RAF’s ongoing commitment to protecting the skies of the UK and allies air space.
Supporting our civilian partners
UK
Ongoing
The RAF provide aircraft, specialist equipment, and specialist knowledge to support rescue services in emergencies.
British Forces South Atlantic Islands
Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Ongoing
RAF provide air defence and transport support to operations in the South Atlantic, mostly from Ministry of Defence base Mount Pleasant Complex.
Operation Biloxi
Eastern Europe
Ongoing
RAF aircraft conduct Operations to protect the Eastern border in Romania and Estonia. This is an ongoing commitment to NATO Air Operations.
Operation SHADER
Iraq and Syria
2014 - ongoing
Operation Shader is the RAF's ongoing commitment to combating Daesh in Iraq and Eastern Syria, as part of the international coalition against terrorism.
UK Space Command
UK and global
2021 - ongoing
UK Space Command is the RAF’s ongoing commitment to making space safe, secure and sustainable for all generations, by protecting the UK and allies space domain against cyberspace attacks.
Exercise Soaring Falcon
Qatar
Annually
A series of regular deployment with the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) to build interoperability and develop capabilities. The RAF shares two joint nation squadrons with Qatar: 11 Squadron and 12 Squadron.
Exercise Virtual Flag
New Mexico
Annually
Exercise Virtual Flag sees the RAF and US partners train in Virtual Battlefield scenarios, at Kirtland Air Force Base, in New Mexico. Participants have been training together in a full spectrum of air, land, surface, space, and cyber warfighting regularly since 2009.
Exercise Austral Endurance
Antarctica
Annually
Exercise Austral Endurance is an annual exercise that sees RAF personnel support the British Antarctic Survey, by providing airdrop resupply missions to their Antarctic Bases.
Exercise Pitch Black
Australia
Annually
The RAF deploy to Australia’s Northern Territory to participate in the largest annual exercise run by the Royal Australian Air Force, developing skills such as Air-to-Air refuelling and interoperability.
Exercise Red Flag
Nebraska, USA
Annually
Exercise Red Flag is a series of exercises run by the United States Air Force in Alaska. It is the largest high intensity air war fighting exercise in the world, with RAF aircraft training alongside the Australian Royal Air Force.
Exercise Magic Carpet
Oman
Exercise Cobra Warrior
UK
Biannual
This is the largest exercise run by the RAF, seeing the culmination of various Qualified Weapons Instructor courses and training in a High intensity simulated war fighting scenario with NATO Allies and partner nations.
Exercise Bersama Lima
Malaysia
2023
The RAF trains with the our Commonwealth allies in Malaysia, to strengthen the interoperability and coordination of the five military powers (the UK, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore). The RAF will next participate in 2023.
Exercise Arctic Challenge
Sweden
2023
The RAF in Europe’s largest air power exercise building collective security and defence skills, with aircraft and troops from the UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, France,
Germany, Netherlands, USA, and NATO partners.