FOREWORD
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR STEPHEN HILLIER KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF
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n focusing on partnerships in this year’s edition of Air Power, we seek to highlight the vast array of cooperative enterprises in which the Royal Air Force (RAF) is involved, and how they combine to maximise the RAF’s contribution to meeting national priorities. From the cooperation of air forces and other military formations in prosecuting the fight against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, to delivering flying training solutions with industry alongside us in the UK, partnerships are a vital component in our success at all levels. In his article, Air Commodore Johnny Stringer provides an excellent insight into the way in which the RAF integrates with its multinational and Joint partners in the struggle against Daesh. Such partnerships are, of course, essential in defeating our enemies, but the RAF contributes to our national interests
in more ways than might immediately be apparent, whether it is in protecting our people, projecting the UK’s influence around the world or in promoting our national prosperity. Our hugely successful Exercise Eastern Venture at the end of 2016 saw the deployment of the RAF Aerobatic Team (the Red Arrows), Typhoons and supporting elements to the AsiaPacific region, which not only reinforced our long-established ties with our allies, but also provided an opportunity to support British industry partners in their endeavours to market hightech UK aerospace capabilities to potential customers. Equally importantly, the deployment demonstrated the UK’s will to be a globally engaged power that contributes to international stability through its friendships and alliances. The RAF’s engagement in NATO policing missions similarly affirms the UK’s commitment to a rules-based international order and contributes to security and stability in Europe, as demonstrated in 2016 through our deployment of Typhoons to Estonia and in 2017 to Romania. I am delighted that the RAF’s contribution to the UK’s international partnerships is valued so highly by our allies and partners, and it is particularly welcome that so many international air power leaders have contributed to this edition of Air Power. Their commentaries confirm the very positive influence that RAF airmen and women are making on operations, exercises and in collaborative programmes around the world. They also provide us with an invaluable understanding of how such partnerships are helping to promote international security, whether through the increased confidence that stems from enhanced interoperability, or in meeting the technical challenges at the cutting edge of aerospace technology. In the latter regard, the P-8 Poseidon and F-35 Lightning are vital programmes for the RAF, and for many other nations, too. Both programmes are examples of where RAF personnel are making a real difference in the development of vital capabilities that will enhance our Allies’ capabilities, as well as our own. Together we are stronger, which is why this year’s edition of Air Power focuses unerringly on the partnerships that are vital to our air power strength. 21ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS AIR POWER 2017
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