On This Day, 1940: On 22 July 1940, an RAF Blenheim used airborne interception radar to shoot down a Dornier Do 17…
Read the entry →Modern RAF Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
Bosnia Airlift Milestone for No. 47 Squadron Hercules
Modern RAF
On 3 June 1993, No. 47 Squadron Hercules crews reached 600 Bosnia airlift sorties and 19 million pounds of relief delivered.
Read the article →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…
Merlin HC3 Delivered to No. 28 Squadron at RAF Benson
On 7 March 2001, the first Merlin HC3 arrived at RAF Benson, marking a major step in modern…
Irgun Attacks RAF Bases Across Palestine in June 1946
On 25 February 1946, Irgun raids on RAF bases at Petah Tiqva, Qastina and Lydda destroyed or damaged…
No. 25 Squadron Deployed to France on the Western Front
On 20 February 1916, No. 25 Squadron was deployed to France, marking an early expansion of British air…
Arrival of the RAF’s First Poseidon MRA1
On 4 February 2020, the first RAF Poseidon MRA1 arrived in the United Kingdom, restoring a dedicated long-range…
RAF Typhoons Join Allied Strikes Against Houthi Targets in Yemen
On 3 February 2024, RAF Typhoons joined allied strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen as part of efforts…
Two RAF Panavia Tornados Strike Iraqi Radar Systems
On 31 January 1999, two RAF Tornados struck an Iraqi radar site after a reported violation of the…
Harrier T10 Delivered to the Royal Air Force
On 30 January 1995, the first Harrier T10 was delivered to the Royal Air Force, strengthening training for…
Allied Airfield Attacks Continue in the Gulf War
On 17 January 1991, Royal Air Force Tornado operations against Iraqi airfields continued as part of the coalition…
Desert Storm Begins In The Gulf War
On 16 January 1991, Operation Desert Storm began as coalition air forces, including RAF Tornados, opened the air…