Britain plans to bring F-35A Lightning II fighters into RAF service in the early 2030s for NATO’s aircraft-based nuclear mission
Britain expects its first F-35A fighters to enter service in the early 2030s, bringing the Royal Air Force into NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft mission and expanding the strategic role of the country’s Lightning Force.
Britain plans at least 12 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters for NATO’s nuclear mission, with RAF pilots able to carry U.S. weapons
Britain will return the Royal Air Force to a nuclear role with the purchase of at least 12 F-35A aircraft for NATO’s nuclear mission.
RAF deploys Rivet Joint to Norway for Arctic Stone, deepening F-35A integration and NATO intelligence coverage in the High North
The Royal Air Force has deployed a Rivet Joint intelligence aircraft to Ørland, Norway, for Exercise Arctic Stone with the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
QinetiQ supports U.S. and RAF fighter weapons evaluation at Combat Archer 2026 across two UK defence ranges for first time
QinetiQ supported U.S. Air Force and RAF fighter aircraft during Combat Archer 2026, an air-to-air weapons system evaluation conducted at two UK defence ranges.
French A330 MRTT refuels U.S. and U.K. RC-135s, opening access to more than 30 allied tankers for NATO and global ISR missions
A French A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Phénix refueled U.S. and British RC-135 aircraft over central France, marking the first such integration among the three nations within the RC-135 enterprise.
BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab sign UK teaming agreement for T-7 pilot training offer with local final assembly plan
The offer targets the UK’s next-generation pilot training requirement.
Boeing offers UK final assembly for T-7A Red Hawk with BAE Systems as RAF weighs new advanced trainer
Boeing has used the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow to set out its first industrial proposals for a UK campaign around the T-7A Red Hawk.
Raytheon UK unveils Red Kite precision weapon to strengthen RAF stockpiles and sovereign British production capacity
Raytheon UK has introduced Red Kite, a sovereign precision weapon fully designed and digitally engineered in the United Kingdom.
Royal Air Force Protector drones gain Paveway IV and Brimstone 3 strike capability after qualification tests
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has completed weapons testing for the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft.
Boeing Defence UK wins £240 million-plus contract to support RAF P-8A Poseidon and E-7A Wedgetail fleets
The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a multi-year support contract with Boeing Defence UK. The deal covers Royal Air Force P-8A Poseidon and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft.
UK shifts to Future Air Superiority Effectors for Meteor successor, leaving long-range air-to-air missile upgrade off the table
The UK does not plan a mid-life upgrade for its Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, according to information obtained from the British defence ministry.
Britain launches StormFighter combat drone program to pair loyal wingmen with F-35, Typhoon and future Tempest fighter fleet
The Royal Air Force has launched StormFighter, a new Collaborative Combat Aircraft program for uncrewed combat drones.