Royal Air Force (RAF)

The first UK Wedgetail has not flown since it arrived at Lossiemouth on 21 May 2026, making IOC unlikely in the near term. Significant test flying and training will be necessary before the aircraft has a meaningful operational capability.

Confusion and delays continue with the RAF’s Wedgetail fleet

Answering the UK F-35 questions: How many? What variants? When?

Making its Farnborough debut was what purported to be a full-size exhibition model of the GCAP manned combat aircraft platform. Reportedly based on the frame of a previous Tempest airshow mock-up, the model was rather less representative of current GCAP concepts than the 1:1 scale model shown at Farnborough two years ago. (P Felstead)

FIA 2026: GCAP stakeholders make their presence felt at Farnborough, deliver updates

An RAF Typhoon operating over the Bab al-Mandab Strait in June 2026. The Typhoon will remain central to UK combat air capabilities well into the 2040s. (Crown Copyright)

FIA 2026: BAE execs buoyant over future of Typhoon in RAF service

MBDA is developing a three-pack launcher for the Spear missile that the company intends to certify for operational use on Typhoon aircraft, even though its current customer, the UK MoD, is buying the weapon for carriage by the F-35s operated by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. (P Felstead)

FIA 2026: Spear missile is moving into production, says MBDA

A Typhoon pictured with two QinetiQ Banshee drones, a Malloy T-150 and a StormShroud. The RAF’s Typhoon force looks set to be the ‘Pathfinder’ for UK ACP capabilities. (BAE Systems)

Blowing a hoolie: the new Storm Fighter CCA

GCAP render

Further details of GCAP Combat Air Flying Demonstrator revealed

Future Combat Air Demonstrator (FCAD)

‘A Next Generation Royal Air Force’ envisaged under UK MoD’s DIP

Red Arrows

A new quiver of Arrows: examining the RAF’s Hawk replacement requirement

HMS Raleigh January 2026 Passing Out Parade.

UK military recruitment figures rebound at last