On This Day, 1999: On 5 June 1999 RAF Tornados flew their first combat missions from Solenzara in Corsica during Operation Allied…
Read the entry →Cold War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
RAF Transport Command and the Rise of Global Air Mobility
Cold War
How RAF Transport Command grew from wartime airlift into a global force supporting overseas operations, reinforcement and post-war British defence.
Read the article →Monte Bello Task Force Air Element Organised
On 11 January 1956, an air element was formally organised to support forthcoming British atomic trials associated with…
The Formation Of Air Headquarters Cyprus
On 9 January 1954, Air Headquarters Cyprus (AHQ Cyprus) was formally established, creating a dedicated Royal Air Force…
Tri-National Tornado Training Begins: European Defence Plans
On 5 January 1981, the first tri-national training course for Panavia Tornado crews commenced at RAF Cottesmore.
Operation Nutcracker: British Military Exercise Explained
On 4 January 1964, Operation Nutcracker began in the Radfan, with British forces and RAF aircraft supporting efforts…