Royal International Air Tattoo RIAT Fairford - UK 2015

When it comes to Securing the Skies and ensuring the safety of its citizens, the UK has always relied predominantly on the skill and professionalism of the men and women who serve in the Royal Air Force. Whether countering increasingly sophisticated and diverse military threats or delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Securing the Skies and demonstrating Air Power is critical at home and around the globe. Today, thanks to cutting-edge platforms operated by highly skilled personnel, the RAF is capable of controlling airspace, providing timely and accurate intelligence and mobilising quickly and effectively to meet a wide range of missions.

The same is true of those air arms operating alongside the RAF, and in 2015 the Royal International Air Tattoo will be inviting them to RAF Fairford to help highlight how Securing the Skies is achieved across the world. On the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the spotlight will fall on this historic aerial conflict, the bravery of the pilots from 14 nations who flew with RAF Fighter Command and the contribution new technology such as radar then played in Securing the Skies. From the Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes of yesteryear to the Typhoons of today and the Lightning IIs of tomorrow, the RAF, often operating alongside its NATO allies or coalition forces, is committed to providing frontline protection from aerial threats.

Mastery of the aerial battlespace remains as important today as it was in 1940 and on 17-19 July 2015 the Air Tattoo will highlight the crucial role that aircraft play in Securing the Skies. In support, highly trained RAF servicemen and women perform a wide range of specialist roles, from armourers, technicians and aerospace battle managers to chefs, medics and firefighters, all contributing towards the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force. Whenever Air Power has been needed, the RAF has demonstrated it is capable of responding at a moment's notice, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Securing the Skies and making us safe - past, present and future. (source www.airtattoo.com)