Royal Air Force (RAF)

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the aerial warfare force of the United Kingdom, responsible for defending UK airspace and projecting British air power globally. The RAF is currently newsworthy due to its involvement in the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Recent events include an Iranian drone strike on the RAF base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, prompting the UK to deploy a warship and helicopters to the island. While the UK is unlikely to directly join a US attack on Iran, RAF Typhoons have been deployed to Qatar, signaling a willingness to assist regional allies if Iran retaliates and widens the conflict. The UK's response to the conflict, and its relationship with the US regarding military action, are subjects of political debate within the UK.