InsideAIR

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), the Red Arrows, have just returned from a very successful six-week tour of Canada on 'Maple Hawk'. The RAF Waddington based team are celebrating their own 60th anniversary and were invited to help mark the Royal Canadian Air Force's Centennial year. InsideAIR's Flight Lieutenant Mark McKinstry joined them behind the scenes.

In this 100th episode special, Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton joins Squadron Leader Peter Lisney to look back at some of the significant events and achievements that have happened for the RAF, its people, technology and operations, since InsideAIR's first episode in January 2021. They also look ahead to what we can expect in the RAF by the time episode 200 is released in 2028. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

This summer, two Poseidon MRA.1 (P-8A) Maritime Reconnaissance Attack aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth flew to Hawaii for the world's largest international maritime exercise. Called Exercise Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC for short, it involved 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. InsideAIR went to find out more. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The RAF normally employs its Typhoon jet fighters for land-based NATO Air Policing missions. However, this year, 617 Squadron's F-35 B Lightnings took on the job for the first time. InsideAIR's Flt Lt Amy Casey went to Iceland to see how they got on. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, have set off to help the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrate its centenary. What does it take to move the aircraft, pilots, engineers, ground and support crew along with several tonnes of equipment across the Atlantic? InsideAIR's Flt Lt Mark McKinstry caught up with them as they prepared to depart. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Air Marshal Johnny Stringer, the Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Air Command, shares insights on NATO's air and space power. He discusses the importance of readiness in modern military operations and reflects on past disinvestments affecting air defenses. Stringer highlights the significance of Agile Combat Employment for rapid response and training adaptability. He also addresses emerging challenges like space security and the need for robust ammunition stockpiles, all while stressing the critical role of continuous learning in the RAF.

The Finnish Air Force has deployed to Romania on its first NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission, operating alongside the RAF's 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. InsideAIR sent Air Specialist 1, Victoria Andrews to find out how the operation has been going. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff for the Royal Air Force, discusses the importance of being ready to fly and fight, adapting to changing threats, investing in new capabilities, balancing speed, quality, and cost in procurement, utilizing digital tools for continuous capability evolution, enhancing resilience and readiness, and Flight Sergeant Kevin McLean's experience balancing life as a paramedic and reservist.

Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney reveals the mysterious world of RAF intelligence, discussing the evolution from balloons to AI. The podcast explores the pivotal role of linguists, recruitment diversity, and historical failures like Pearl Harbor. It also delves into enhancing information warfare capabilities and shares remarkable stories from the Royal Air Force.

For more than 70 years, the small Bavarian town of Oberammergau has been host to a NATO School. With 115 courses attended by 11,000 students annually, InsideAIR spoke with an RAF officer currently serving there to find out what the School delivers for both NATO and the Royal Air Force. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.