Air Power 2017

FOREWORD

21 ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS AIR POWER 2017 21

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL

SIR STEPHEN HILLIER

KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

I

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 Asia-

Pacific 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 high-

tech 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.