To mark Armed Forces Day on June 24, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the important work that the members of the UK Armed Forces, and the RAF in particular, do in keeping us safe by defending the UK and its interests, at home and abroad.

The people of our Armed Forces, day in day out, are ever vigilant, identifying and responding to threats that could affect us and our families, but they are also ready to prevent conflict and ready to deliver urgent assistance that is needed here in the UK or around the world.

Armed Forces Day gives us the chance to collectively show support for the military community, including the RAF, from serving personnel to families, veterans, cadets, and reservists.

The RAF continues to respond to events in Ukraine, including patrolling the skies, delivering humanitarian and military supplies, and the RAF Regiment training alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the UK. In 2022, more than 7,250 personnel were deployed in 75 countries and directly supported 41 operations across five continents and the Falkland Islands.

To find out more about the work we do visit rafbf.org.

AIR VICE-MARSHAL CHRIS ELLIOT