Royal Air Force News Friday, July 10, 2026 P2
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It is an incredibly humbling experience” Colin Bell DFC, 105, presents inaugural veterans award bearing his name
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People ask if I won’t be dancing anymore... darling, I’m just getting started”
New Strictly host Jojo will be touring the UK next year with his dance show, Finally Home
See page 7
See R’n’R page 4
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I’m so excited to represent Wales and the RAF at the Games”
Swimmer Cpl Kyle Booth on his quest for Commonwealth glory this month See page 27
Forces funding vow
RAF News Room 68 Lancaster Building HQ Air Command High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4UE Editor: Simon Williams Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk Executive Features Editor: Tracey Allen Email: tracey.allen@rafnews. co.uk News Editor: Simon Mander Email: Simon.Mander116@ mod.gov.uk
● Continued from front Among other measures outlined in the Defence Investment Plan is a £900 million investment to drive efficiency and reform of procurement programmes across the Services. Military bases will see extra funding for security, with the delivery of new radars and sensors, direct energy weapons and counter drone systems and investment in AI technology. Speaking after the announcement, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said: “This plan sets out how and where we will invest in defence over the coming years to deliver the Strategic Defence Review and build the integrated force the nation needs. “It also reflects both the importance of national defence and the vital contribution our Armed Forces make every day to keeping the country safe.”
This Week In History 1957
BBMF evolves
Sport: sports@rafnews.co.uk
THE HISTORIC Aircraft Flight forms at Biggin Hill. It is designated as the Battle of Britain Flight the following year, finally becoming the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1973
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INVESTMENT: The Global Combat Air programme is to receive £8 billion over the next four years
1944
Meteor debut THE RAF’S first operational jet aircraft the Gloster Meteor enters service with 616 (South Yorkshire) Sqn based at RAF Manston in Kent.
1969
Wessex deployed FOUR 72 Sqn Wessex helicopters deploy to RAF Ballykelly to support Army units following outbreaks of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.
Extracts from The Royal Air Force Day By Day by Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork (The History Press)