On This Day, 1988: Sheila Scott died on 20 October 1988, leaving a legacy of solo world flights, polar exploration and record-breaking…
Read the entry →Modern RAF Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
Allied Airfield Attacks Continue in the Gulf War
Modern RAF
On 17 January 1991, Royal Air Force Tornado operations against Iraqi airfields continued as part of the coalition air campaign launched the previous day.
Read the article →Falklands Exclusion Zone Set as Air Campaign Nears
Falklands exclusion zone: Britain’s 1982 warning to Buenos Aires over a Falklands no-fly area marked a key shift…
RAF UAV Operations and the Rise of StormShroud Systems
How RAF uncrewed air systems evolved from early experiments to operational use, with StormShroud marking a new collaborative…
Panavia Tornado GR1 in RAF Gulf War Operations, 1991
How the Panavia Tornado GR1 flew RAF strike missions in Operation Granby, from risky low-level attacks to medium-altitude…
Red Arrows History: From Gnat to Hawk and What Comes Next
How the Red Arrows evolved from post-war RAF display teams into the service’s official aerobatic formation, from Gnat…
Operation Haven: RAF Chinooks Lift Aid to Kurdish Refugees
Operation Haven: How RAF Chinooks began lifting aid to Kurdish refugees in Turkey in 1991, showing the reach…
RAF Tornado Sorties from Bruggen in Operation Allied Force
On 4 April 1999, RAF Tornado GR1 crews flew Allied Force missions from Bruggen, striking bridges and tunnels…
Falklands Invaded as Britain Begins Its Air Response
On 2 April 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, and the RAF began the urgent air planning and…
RAF Puma Farewell Flight Marks the End of 54 Years
On 26 March 2025, the RAF began the Puma HC Mk2 farewell tour from RAF Benson, marking the…
Operation Telic Begins with Major RAF Commitment in Iraq
On 21 March 2003, Operation Telic began with a major RAF commitment, combining precision strike, coalition sorties and…
Operation Northern and Southern Watch Come to an End
On 20 March 2003, Northern and Southern Watch ended, closing years of coalition air policing over Iraq just…
John Paddy Hemingway, Last Battle of Britain Pilot
On 17 March 2025, John “Paddy” Hemingway died at 105, marking the passing of the last surviving Battle…
First Apache Delivered to the British Army Air Corps
On 15 March 2000, the first Westland-built WAH-64 Apache entered British service, marking a major step in Army…