Aviation

Heroes of the Afghan evacuation honored by the Royal Air Force

Royal Air Force personnel who took part in Operation PITTING to evacuate personnel from Afghanistan have today been honoured in a medal presentation ceremony.

A parade that took place at RAF Brize Norton saw personnel from across the RAF presented with the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan with the Operation PITTING clasp for their involvement in last years operation which saw more than 15,000 personnel evacuated in just over 2 weeks.

RAF Aviators stand, with Globemaster aircraft in background.

Operation PITTING was the largest humanitarian aid operation in over 70 years, evacuating thousands of Afghans and British nationals from Kabul Airport as the Taliban seized control of the country. RAF personnel and aircraft played a pivotal role in the operation, working around the clock the RAF flew 260,000 miles, making some 330 flights, and at one point airlifting 1,000 people a day to safety in the United Kingdom, where they were welcomed at RAF Brize Norton. The RAF also completed a record-breaking flight, with a passenger number of 439 onboard a C-17 Globemaster.

Alongside the pilots and aircrew, the RAF deployed personnel from the Air Mobility Wing, responsible for returning equipment and loading all the passengers from Kabul, Force protection personnel from the RAF Police and aviation security specialists from the RAF Regiment, to process evacuees and provide security for the aircraft. Tactical Medical Wing also based at RAF Brize Norton deployed to provide specialist medical support to those evacuating.

RAF Aviators sit by Globemaster aircraft.

Although Operation PITTING has ended, the Ministry of Defence continues to support the relocation of vulnerable Afghans, the RAF has been flying entitled people from neighbouring countries to enable their resettlement.

Aviation

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

– MOU represents Boeing’s commitment to work with Ukrainian industry

– Includes exploring opportunities for collaborating on in-country support of Unmanned Aerial Systems

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Boeing and Antonov Company to investigate potential collaboration on defense-related projects.

“We’re happy to keep collaborating with the Antonov Company to help Ukraine’s economic development and expansion,” stated Ted Colbert, CEO and president of Boeing Defence, Space, & Security.

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“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

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“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company.

This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”