#raf akrotiri 18

[world-of-wales]

Catherine's Royal Closet (28/∞) ♚

↬ High Waisted Sport Luxe Trousers

Catherine owns the High Waisted Sport Luxe Trousers from Jigsaw in navy blue. Often described as ‘puddle pants’, these pants were first worn by Catherine in 2018 during her visit to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus along with Prince William.

Since then they have become one of her go to pieces from the brand having been worn by her on a number of occasions like - a visit to the Henry Fawcett Centre in 2019, during the Royal Train Tour of 2020, for a visit to Wolverhampton in 2021, to see the “Faberge in London: from romance to revolution" exhibition at the V&A Museum, at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in 2022 and the latest for a visit to Windsor Foodshare along with William in 2023.

The trousers feature a wide waistband, belt loops and welt pockets. The fabric is woven from a soft, breathable viscose mix that contains a hint of stretch. They also appear to have a slightly flared shape

[opencommunion]

"The US Air Force has been sending unmarked planes from Britain’s base on Cyprus to Israel since it began bombing Gaza, it can be revealed. The planes are all C-295 and CN-235 aircraft, which are believed to be used by American special forces. Declassified has found 18 of these aircraft which have gone from the sprawling British air base on Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, to Israel’s coastal city Tel Aviv since October 7. Akrotiri is the key node in the international effort to arm and provide logistical support for Israel’s assault on Gaza. But the UK government has always refused to divulge any information about US activities at Akrotiri, which is known to include transporting weapons to Israel.

Asked in May how many US Air Force (USAF) flights had taken off from the base since October 7, defence minister Leo Docherty said: 'The Ministry of Defence does not comment on the operations of our Allies.' But Declassified discovered the unmarked planes that flew from Akrotiri to Israel from November to June have a serial number showing they are operated by the USAF. Most of these journeys had the flight number GONZO62. Six more unmarked C-130 planes have gone from Akrotiri to Tel Aviv since the bombing of Gaza began, which are believed to be USAF, but it was not possible for Declassified to locate their operator. The C-130 can carry 128 combat troops and almost 20 tonnes of cargo.

The new information could further implicate British ministers in war crimes in Gaza. In November 2023, a US military official revealed that American special forces were stationed in Israel and 'actively helping the Israelis.' ... Most of the unmarked planes show that they were recently at Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is home to Fort Liberty, the largest US Army base by population with nearly 50,000 active-duty soldiers. Formerly called Fort Bragg, it is home to the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) which 'assigns, equips, trains, certifies, and validates [Army Special Operations Forces] Soldiers and units to conduct global operations.' The Pentagon says this unit is 'the most adaptable and capable enabling force in the United States military.' The planes, the C-295 and CN-235, are produced by Airbus and believed to be used by 427th Special Operations Squadron which has been described as USAF’s 'most secretive squadron' and is based at Fort Liberty.

... Declassified has also found 26 marked USAF planes have arrived at RAF Akrotiri since the bombing of Gaza began. These have included 16 huge C-17 military transport aircraft from US bases in Germany, Spain and Kuwait. The C-17 is capable of transporting 134 personnel and many types of military equipment, including Abrams tanks and three Black Hawk helicopters. The US military notes that its role is to 'rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area.'"

[tieflingkisser]

Revealed: America’s secret special forces flights to Israel from UK base on Cyprus

The US military has been flying covert planes to Israel from RAF Akrotiri since the bombing of Gaza began, Declassified has discovered.

Unmarked planes are being used by US forces to fly from Cyprus to Israel, including as recently as June 26

The aircraft are believed to be used by highly secretive 427th Special Operations Squadron and the CIA

Declassified also finds 26 huge US military transport planes have landed at UK base on Cyprus, believed to be carrying weapons for Israel

Revelations could further implicate British ministers in war crimes

The US Air Force has been sending unmarked planes from Britain’s base on Cyprus to Israel since it began bombing Gaza, it can be revealed. The planes are all C-295 and CN-235 aircraft, which are believed to be used by American special forces.  Declassified has found 18 of these aircraft which have gone from the sprawling British air base on Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, to Israel’s coastal city Tel Aviv since October 7.

[...]

Asked in May how many US Air Force (USAF) flights had taken off from the base since October 7, defence minister Leo Docherty said: “The Ministry of Defence does not comment on the operations of our Allies.” But Declassified discovered the unmarked planes that flew from Akrotiri to Israel from November to June have a serial number showing they are operated by the USAF. Most of these journeys had the flight number GONZO62.

[...]

The new information could further implicate British ministers in war crimes in Gaza. In November 2023, a US military official revealed that American special forces were stationed in Israel and “actively helping the Israelis”.

[...]

Most of the unmarked planes show that they were recently at Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is home to Fort Liberty, the largest US Army base by population with nearly 50,000 active-duty soldiers. Formerly called Fort Bragg, it is home to the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) which “assigns, equips, trains, certifies, and validates [Army Special Operations Forces] Soldiers and units to conduct global operations”. The Pentagon says this unit is “the most adaptable and capable enabling force in the United States military.”

[usafphantom2]

IMAGES: Royal Air Force jets arrive in Australia for major air exercise

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 08/18/2022 - 13:00 in Military, Military Operations

Typhoon fighters and a Royal Air Force Voyager tanker arrived in Australia to participate in a major training exercise.

Organized by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Exercise Pitch Black will see up to 100 aircraft and about 2,500 employees from 17 nations training together for three weeks. Held biennially, the great exercise of force use will be conducted mainly from the bases of the RAAF of Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory.

During the exercise, the RAF contingent will join the European NATO allies of France and Germany for exercises with RAAF aircraft and also aircraft of regional powers such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

"The relationship between the RAF and the RAAF is close and lasting and we are very pleased to be invited to participate in what promises to be a challenging exercise," said Wing Commander Noel Rees, Officer Commander of the 6th Squadron that led the Typhoons in Darwin. “The high-quality training environment and complex exercises offered by Pitch Black combined with the opportunity to share best practices with so many other partners and allies is invaluable. Our presence here is also another demonstration of the United Kingdom's long-standing commitment to deepen cooperation and engagement in the Indo-Pacific."

Squadron 6's RAF Typhoons flew from the RAF Base of Akrotiri, Cyprus and were refueled en-route air by a Voyager tanker that also carried aviators and support equipment. The 8,600 nautical mile trip, which included night stopovers in the United Arab Emirates, India and Singapore, was also supported by an Atlas transport aircraft.

Group Captain Peter Wood, Director of Engagement at the RAAF said: ""International participation in Exercise Pitch Black, from within the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, provides personnel from all nations with experience in working with aircraft, systems and work practices in northern Australia a unique environment that would otherwise not be familiar."

Throughout the exercise, Voyager will provide fuel for RAF Typhoons and fast jets from other participating nations. Voyager Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Andy Brown said: "Allowing the deployment of four Typhoons on the other side of the world is a great example of the essential role of air mobility that Voyager plays in RAF air power projection. The challenge of ensuring a smooth and safe global traffic has proven to be an excellent training that will continue as soon as the exercise begins."

Tags: Military AviationEurofighter TyphoonPitch BlackRAAF - Royal Australian Air Force/Royal Australian Air ForceRAF - Royal Air Force/Royal Air Force

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Japan and the United Kingdom will develop common fuselage for their state-of-the-art fighters

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in a specialized aviation magazine in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[airmanisr]

Valiant B.1 ‘WP213’ & Chipmunk T.10 ‘WK624 / 10’ by Alan Wilson Via Flickr: Part of the static display at the 1962 RAF Finningley Battle of Britain day In the foreground is:- DHC1 Chipmunk T.10 ‘WK624 / 10’ c/n C1/0637 Built 1952 Sold July 1995 and became G-BWHI. Still current in June 2020 Behind the Chipmunk is :- Vickers Valiant B.1 ‘WP213’ Built 1955 and operated in the Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) role by 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The unit disbanded on 31st March 1963 but has since reformed and currently flies the Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham. Valiant WP213 was retired and sold for scrap in April 1965 Visible in the background are:- Gloster Javelin FAW.9 ‘XH962 / P’ from 29sqn at RAF Leuchars. Built in 1959 and written off 27th June 1963 when it swung on take off at RAF Akrotiri after a mainwheel brake problem, causing the undercarriage to collapse. The remains were moved to the Akrotiri fire dump. Avro Shackleton MR.2 ‘WG555 / N’ from 204sqn at RAF Bellykelly. Built in 1952 and retired to Catterick Fire school in May 1972, Vickers Varsity T.1 ‘WL622 / R’ of Signals Command. Built in 1953 and retired 1970 to the fire dump at Manby and Westland Lysander ‘R9125 / JR-M’ which is now part of the RAF Museum Scanned from a slide taken by J.Smith on 15th September 1962

[warfaretoday]

RAF F-35Bs Will Deploy to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

RAF F-35Bs Will Deploy to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

First Overseas Deployment for RAF F-35B Lightning II Aircraft Announced

F-35B Lightning II aircraft are set to deploy to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, according to an announcement today from the Ministry of Defence. Britain’s new cutting-edge F-35B aircraft will depart their home station of RAF Marham in Norfolk later this year for Cyprus in their first overseas deployment.

“These formidable fighters…

[kathleencoleman-blog]

03-18 A crew member checks a Griffin HAR2 helicopter from the RAF Akrotiri multi-role 84 Squadron before taking part in a sea rescue drill at the Sovereign Base Area (SBA) of Akrotiri, a British ... http://dlvr.it/NftJ8z

[usafphantom2]

NATO air power intensifies response to the crisis in Ukraine

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 05/15/22 - 1:05 PM in Military, War Zones

In response to the Russian invasion attempt of Ukraine that began on February 24, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) immediately activated its defense plans. NATO has now released some details of its ongoing air activities that, combined with other sources, provide an overview of the missions that member states' air weapons are carrying out in relation to the war in Ukraine.

In addition to sending troops to Eastern Europe, NATO has activated a Joint Forces Air Component (JFAC) within the Allied Air Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The existing Combined Air Operations Centers in Uedem, Germany, and Torrejón, Spain, and the Implantable Command and Control Center in Poggio Renatico, Italy, sent personnel to the JFAC.

The most important of these is a significant increase in defensive combat air patrols (CAPs).

In recent years, as tensions with Russia have increased, NATO has triggered its Expanded Air Policing operation, which has seen additional deployments of fighters to strengthen defenses in Eastern Europe. Since the beginning of the war, these have increased dramatically, as well as the pace of operations. NATO now classifies these operations as Enhanced Surveillance Activities.

"Several dozen fighter jets are on alert at any time to respond to possible airspace violations and prevent aggression," said the Chief of Staff of the Allied Air Command of Headquarters Jörg Lebert. “The Allied Air Command integrates Allied air force fighters, air-to-air refueling and transport aircraft, as well as Allied and NATO (AWACS) alert and air control platforms into permanent arrangements to protect the skies above the Allies.” The NATO statement notes that about 30 surveillance and hunting aircraft are in the air at any time.

Currently, the alliance operates CAPs in six main areas. In the north, the two air policing detachments in the Baltic states - in Amari in Estonia and Siauliai in Lithuania - patrol the eastern borders of the Baltic republics with Russia and Belarus, and also patrol the Baltic Sea, with particular emphasis on the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

The Amari detachment hosts the Belgian F-16s and the French Mirage 2000, while Siauliai is the basis for the Spanish F/A-18 fighters and Czech Gripens, with Polish fighters also deployed. The U.S. Marine Corps also operates a TPS-80 ground/aircraft-oriented radar to assist air defense efforts.

Poland's long border with Belarus and Ukraine is defended by Poland's own F-16 and MiG-29, aided by American fighters, including F-35As flying from Spangdahlem, Germany. Slovakia and Hungary patrol their own borders with Ukraine with MiG-29 and Gripens, Hungary being aided by F/A-18 flying from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier sailing in the Adriatic. American fighters and British Typhoons amplify the strength of Romanian F-16s in protecting their airspace. Finally, Bulgaria's air defenses are strengthened by the Dutch F-16s.

Supporting these improved surveillance activities is an armada of tankers. The U.S. Air Force KC-135 and KC-10 are flying from Mildenhall RAF base in the UK and from several German bases. The Boeing KC-46As were recently deployed in Germany, giving the latest U.S. Air Force tanker its first taste of operational service. The Airbus A330 MRTTs are widely used, with the RAF Voyagers flying from Brize Norton (United Kingdom) and Akrotiri (Cyprus), while those of NATO's own multinational MRTT fleet are operating from their bases in Eindhoven (Netherlands) and Köln-Bonn (Germany). The French A330s are also involved, as are the Italian Boeing KC-767 and the Turkish KC-135, while the USMC's A400Ms and KC-130Js have also provided tank capacity occasionally.

Early air alert is another important aspect of air defense operations, with orbits being carried out over Poland and Romania. They are mainly piloted by NATO's E-3 Sentry operating from Geilenkirchen (Germany), Preveza (Greece) and Konya (Turkey). The Italian Gulfstream E-550 AEW platforms were also used in Romania. The British and American P-8A Poseidons operate on maritime surveillance missions, including those on the Black Sea.

Recognition is another important aspect of NATO's air effort, providing useful information about Russian military capabilities and processes, as well as information to help Ukrainian defenses. U.S. aircraft naturally dominated these efforts, with scheduled U-2S flights from Fairford (England) and, presumably, from Akrotiri as well. Their high-altitude missions are increased by USAF's RQ-4B Global Hawks and occasionally NATO's RQ-4D Phoenix, both operating from Sigonella, Sicily. These flight assets mostly maintain long-lasting orbits over the Black Sea, but from time to time they reach along the Ukrainian border with Poland. MQ-9A Reaper drones were also used in border patrols.

RQ-4 Global Hawk.

A major signal intelligence flight campaign (SIGINT) was carried out, with two main areas of operation: along the Polish borders with Kaliningrad, Belarus and Ukraine; and along the Romanian borders with Moldova and Ukraine. The workhorse of these missions is the RC-135W Rivet Joint fleet of the United Kingdom/USA flying from England (Mildenhall and Waddington) and Crete (Souda). The RAF's Rivet Joint missions occasionally arrived in the east of the Black Sea to monitor Russian activities.

Other Sigint aircraft that have been active include U.S. Army RC-12Ks that monitor Belarus and Kaliningrad from their base in Siauliai, and U.S. Navy EP-3Es flying in Souda's Romanian airspace. The RC-135U Combat Sent specialist made several appearances, although mainly targeting Kaliningrad. France carries out SIGINT missions, mainly in Romanian airspace, with the C-160G Gabriel and King Air 350 ALSR. After a brief period in the U.S., the Leidos Artemis Challenger returned to Constanta, Romania, to resume its patrols. Despite not being a member of NATO, Sweden has contributed regular patrols over eastern Poland with a Gulfstream IV set up for SIGINT.

Artemis Laws.

Another notable platform is the Northrop Grumman E-8C Joint STARS battlefield surveillance aircraft, which has been operating regular missions since Ramstein. The aircraft usually flies an orbit over southeastern Poland, with its powerful radar being used to detect and trace movements of military vehicles in Belarus and Ukraine.

In addition to this activity, NATO transport aircraft - along with contracted commercial freighters - have acted not only in supplying deployed NATO forces, but also in transporting supplies and equipment to help Ukraine. The Rzeszow airfield in southeastern Poland has been the focus of these operations.

In the future, the alliance's defensive shield may expand, especially if Finland and Sweden join NATO, as seems to be imminently likely. At the same time, assets from both nations would be available to join the deployment list to provide additional defensive capacity. Both countries became members of NATO's Peace Partnership in May 1994, their air assets are NATO compliant and their forces have regularly operated with NATO nations to develop and practice interoperability.

Source: AIN Online

Tags: Military AviationNATO - North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationWar Zones - Russia/Ukraine

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in a specialized aviation magazine in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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Cavok Brasil - Digital Tchê Web Creation

[airmanisr]

English Electric Lightning F.53 ‘XS933’ (really ZF594) by Alan Wilson Via Flickr: c/n 95302. Built 1968 for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Retired in January 1986 and returned to the UK using the UK military serial ZF594. Painted to represent a Lightning F.6 of 11sqn, Royal Air Force, it is on display at the North East Land, Sea & Air Museums (NELSAM), Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, UK. 11th September 2017 The following detailed history for ZF594 is from the very informative NELSAM website:- “On 14th November 1968 test pilot John Cockburn lifted Lightning F.53, 53-696 from the runway at Samlesbury on its maiden flight under its B class markings G-27-66. Upon landing at Warton, the aircraft began a series of shake-down flights that were to culminate in its ferry trip to Saudi Arabia. The pilot on this occasion was R. Ingham and the aircraft staged via Akrotiri, supported by RAF Victor tankers. Arriving at Jeddah on 3rd June 1969 the Lightning joined the LCS with whom it was serving when they moved to RSAF Riyadh on 26th November 1972. Unfortunately not long after arrival, on 9th July, the aircraft suffered Category 3 fire damage which grounded it for the next few months. A tour at Dharan with 2 Squadron followed the repair work, the aircraft remaining with them until transferring to 6 Sqn at Khamis Mushayt in May 1975. 6 Sqn was to move to King Abdul Aziz AB in June 1976, taking ‘696 with them, although this state of affairs only lasted until 23 January 1977 when ‘696 joined 2 Sqn again, this time at King Faisal / Tabuk AB in the north of the country. A short tour on the strength of 13 Sqn as 1308 began on 18 April 1978 and continued until 1982 when the aircraft returned again to 2 Sqn. Initially coded 226 the aircraft later assumed the code ‘Y’. It was still wearing this code when it made its last RSAF flight on 13 January 1986. The next day, painted as ZF594, the aircraft headed for Warton where it was to enter long-term storage whilst awaiting possible resale. During its working life 53-696 had flown a total of 2.057,06 hours. With no market forthcoming, 53-696 was put up for disposal, being purchased by the NEAM for a token sum during 1988. In November of the following year 53-696 was moved to the Museum’s premises near Sunderland to join the rest of this burgeoning collection.”

[warfaretoday]

RAF Supporting Syrian Abu Kamal Offensive

RAF Supporting Syrian Abu Kamal Offensive

Islamic State Fighters Targeted by Reapers, Tornados and Typhoons

Throughout September, the RAF has been flying combat missions against Islamic State fighters in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces’ offensive in the Abu Kamal area, as part of the British contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve, codenamed Operation SHADER, to destroy the Islamic State (aka ISIS, ISIL, Daesh).

The RAF flew…