Royal Air Force News Friday, November 14, 2025 P9
News
Winging it
JET SET: Trophies awarded to Valley high-flyers and, inset, AM Sir Johnny Stringer addresses gathering
High North nuke drill Staff Reporter NATO TEAMS launched a nuke and chemical attack drill during training as allies tested security in the High North. Counter chemical, biological and nuclear specialists from the UK joined medics, gunners and fire services gathered at the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s Ørland Air Base to test evacuation and
detection capabilities. “Exercise Toxic Trip has allowed us to show our adaptability in challenging environments; from overcoming the weather to modifying decontamination drills to protect Nato colleagues and enhance our own techniques,” said Cpl Hemming from the Defence Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough.
PHOTOS: CPL GARETH McGARVIE
GRADUATE PILOTS won their wings after completing the latest fast jet training course at RAF Valley. The six future top guns took to the air in front of Nato deputy commander AM Sir Johnny Stringer and family members at the Welsh airbase. “Today marks a massive achievement for these pilots, which is historic, personal and profoundly meaningful. The young officers graduating today are no longer simply students of the air, they are pilots,” said Officer Commanding 72 (Fighter) Sqn, Wg Cdr Matt Axcell. “They receive their RAF flying wings – a symbol of excellence recognised across the world, and one that will remain on their chest for the rest of their lives. “My instructors and I take huge pride in celebrating this momentous occasion, the first of many such achievements in what will undoubtedly be long and successful careers in the RAF.”
Fund pledge MILITARY CHARITY chiefs are targeting sexual harassment with a £100,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund. Welfare group SSAFA’s Safe to Serve initiative is one of eight projects to receive funding under the Seen and Heard Campaign, and will provide support and advocacy to victims of bullying, harassment and sexual abuse in the UK Armed Forces.
3D print pioneers Simon Mander
ENGINEERS HAVE fitted the first ever in-house 3D printed component to an operational Typhoon, pioneering a process that could cut aircraft downtime and return jets to the frontline more quickly. The advanced manufacturing process allows 71 Sqn technicians to design and print parts to keep combat aircraft operational and is set to transform frontline repairs across the Air Force fleet, cutting costs and boosting capability. “Without the use of this technology, local innovation and RAF engineers’ operational mindset, this aircraft would have been unusable for many months. In the coming months, Air Support will share detailed plans for the expansion of such capabilities,” said AVM Shaun Harris.
Originally launched as Project Warhol, the 71(IR) Sqn team now produces polymer and metallic components for the F-35 Lightning, A400M, Chinook helicopter and Mk 15 helmets and is developing a 3D-printed metallic chaff and flare dispenser for the Apache, Wildcat and Shadow aircraft. “While the process will not be suitable for every application, it will generate significant operational advantage, increase supply chain resilience, mitigate obsolescence and ultimately increase fleet availability – all vital tools enhancing the RAF’s ability,” said Programme Director Gp Capt Justin Blackie.
QUICK FIX: Technicians can now print spares for frontline aircraft, cutting costs and maintenance times