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RAF ISTAR

@RAF_ISTAR

Royal Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance: Official news from current and future RAF ISTAR capabilities

 RAF Waddington/RAF Lossiemouth
raf.mod.uk
Joined August 2019
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Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)Photo by RAF ISTAR (@RAF_ISTAR)
A riveting collaboration. 🤝✈️ RAF and @usairforce Rivet Joints united on Exercise Red Flag. @RAFWaddington #ExerciseRedFlag2026 #RivetJoint
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Ever spotted a Shadow in the skies? This Sunday we’re going subsonic to spotlight one of the RAF’s lesser‑known but highly capable aircraft: the Shadow R1. #Capability
An RAF Shadow R1 receiving a wash on a runway.

ALT An RAF Shadow R1 receiving a wash on a runway.

An RAF Shadow R1 taxiing on a runway.

ALT An RAF Shadow R1 taxiing on a runway.

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Replying to @RoyalAirForce @NATO @UKinIceland
Read more about 120 Squadron and P-8A Poseidon here: raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf…
RAF Poseidon Maritime Aircraft Build Stronger Ties with Iceland

RAF Poseidon Maritime Aircraft Build Stronger Ties with Iceland

The RAF’s cutting-edge P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) has been at the forefront of surveillance operations from Iceland, having flown over 80 sorties since the beginning of November....

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📍 Keflavik, Iceland The RAF’s 120 Squadron supports @NATO’s Peacetime Vigilance Activity. This deployment builds on the Squadron’s historic ties with Iceland, forged during WWII and highlights the UK’s commitment to NATO and the North Atlantic. 🌍✈️ @UKinIceland
Crews from 120 Squadron stood in front of a P-8A Poseidon in Iceland.

ALT Crews from 120 Squadron stood in front of a P-8A Poseidon in Iceland.

Sunset shot of three RAF P-8A Poseidon’s parked up at an Icelandic airbase.

ALT Sunset shot of three RAF P-8A Poseidon’s parked up at an Icelandic airbase.

Sunset shot of a single parked P-8A Poseidon with the sun flowing from behind the aircraft.

ALT Sunset shot of a single parked P-8A Poseidon with the sun flowing from behind the aircraft.

Image of P-8A Poseidon on the runway, being directed by groundcrew.

ALT Image of P-8A Poseidon on the runway, being directed by groundcrew.

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Following a period of system testing and evaluation the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail WT001 conducted a further Functional Check Flight today as it departed @ModBDN en route to @bhx_official as it progresses to the next stage of its modification and test activities.
Image from Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce)
Side angle view of the RAF Wedgetail (WT001) mid-flight.

ALT Side angle view of the RAF Wedgetail (WT001) mid-flight.

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The P8A Poseidon is central to defending our seas and deterring Russian aggression. Great to be with my friend Boris Pistorius @RAFLossiemouth today seeing the fantastic crew in action. The UK and Germany are working ever more closely together to step up on NATO security.
Image from John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP)
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This week, RAF Waddington and RAF Coningsby took part in the Great Lincolnshire Exhibition, showcasing innovation, technology and teamwork. Featuring Storm Shroud, Protector, Gladiator, Typhoon and the Red Arrows, driving the Next Generation RAF. ✈️
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
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Find out more about 31 Squadron: raf.mod.uk/news/articles/gol…
Goldstars Rising: 31 Squadron's Journey Through a Century of Change

Goldstars Rising: 31 Squadron's Journey Through a Century of Change

31 Squadron, proudly known as the Goldstars, has a legacy as bright as its name. Formed on 11 October 1915 at Farnborough, this pioneering RAF unit has been shaping aviation history for over a...

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From the skies of India to today’s digital battlespace, No. 31 Squadron has led the way for over a century. The Goldstars shine on as the RAF’s first Protector RG Mk 1 unit - precision, legacy, and innovation in flight.✨
Image from Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce)
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We see you… 👀 #StrongerTogether #AlwaysVigilant #SecuringTheSkies
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Read more here: raf.mod.uk/news/articles/roy…
Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft patrol border with Russia in joint mission with US and NATO...

Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft patrol border with Russia in joint mission with US and NATO...

Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft fly 12-hour mission along Russian border to monitor NATO’s eastern border Joint mission saw US Air Force air refuelling tanker provide support in demonstration...

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Always watching. ✈️ RAF Rivet Joint & Poseidon, with USAF KC-135 support, patrolled NATO’s Eastern Flank. In response to Russia’s unlawful incursions, this mission shows NATO’s unity and readiness to defend its airspace. 💪 #WeAreNATO #AlwaysReady #StrongerTogether
Image from Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce)
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RAF Waddington was honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, our Honorary Air Commodore, to mark the retirement of the MQ-9 Reaper after 18 years of service. Operated by XIII Sqn, it’s now succeeded by the next-gen MQ-9B Protector. #WeAreWaddo #ISTAR #RoyalAirForce
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
Image from RAF Waddington (@RAFWaddington)
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1 week to go. 🎥 Actor @CliveStanden spent 7 days with 1 Air Mobility Wing at @RAFBrizeNorton, supporting the front line of UK air operations. The full story drops in 7 days. Not acting. Just action.
Image from Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce)
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Find out more about Protector: raf.mod.uk/aircraft/future-a…
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✈️ After 18 years of service, the RAF’s MQ-9 Reaper has flown its final operational mission. 🕐 173,000 hours flown 🌍 Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria ➡️ Will be replaced by the cutting-edge Protector RPAS
Image from Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce)
Image from Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce)
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The RAF’s latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), the Protector RG Mk1, has started deployed assurance testing and operator training in preparation for its replacement of Reaper’s operational role within Op Shader.
Image from Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce)
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RAF ISTAR retweeted
Boeing UK (@BoeingUK) profile picture
Boeing UK
@BoeingUK14 Aug 2025
His Majesty King Charles III joined #TeamBoeing at the stand up parade of 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron. The celebrations were held at @RoyalAirForce Lossiemouth, the home of the UK’s #P8 Poseidon and future E-7 #Wedgetail. More: boeing.co.uk/news-releases/2… 📷© Crown Copyright
Image from Boeing UK (@BoeingUK)
Image from Boeing UK (@BoeingUK)
Image from Boeing UK (@BoeingUK)
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“By providing world-leading training to our allies, you contribute to a shared commitment to peace, security and co-operation across the globe.” At RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland, The King has attended the Stand-Up Parade for Number 42 Torpedo Bomber Squadron.
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Meet 120 Sqn's new mascot: Sgt Clarkey! 🦅 The mascot will be used to document the Sqn's adventures for friends, family, and our followers. 📸 Can any Squadron historian's out there guess where the name is from? 🤔 #maritimemonday
Image from RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth)
Image from RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth)
Image from RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth)
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