InsideAIR
Episodes
Ep 139: The RAF Warfighters Guide to AI
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The impact of artificial intelligence is being felt in everyday life, the media and the military, but how is it changing the RAF, its people, technolo...
Ep 138: Exercise Malta March
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we find out how WWII lessons are shaping today's RAF operations. 35 Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel have spent a week in Malta,...
Ep 137: Air and Space Combat Power PART 2
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Air and Space Combat Power Visit (ASCPV) gave guests from all branches of the UK's Armed Forces, British Government and military allies and partne...
Ep 136: Air and Space Combat Power PART 1
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hosted by RAF Brize Norton, the Air and Space Combat Power Visit (ASCPV) gave guests from all branches of the UK's Armed Forces, British Government an...
InsideAIR Ep 135: AOC 2 Group - Vincemus
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's been two years since Air Vice-Marshal Jason Appleton was appointed as Air Officer Commanding 2 Group. So, before he moves on, the InsideAIR team ...
Ep 134: Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems or C-UAS. What are they, how does it work and who makes up the team behind it all? Ins...
Ep 133: Enabling Cyber within Airbases
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking Air Cyberspace and the move toward the Airbase Enablement Force (AEF) From keeping our tech up-to-date and in good or...
Ep 132: Increasing the RAF's IQ
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There are some fantastic opportunities to learn and gain academic qualifications available through the Directorate of Defence Studies for the RAF, but...
Ep 131: 5 Years 'Behind the Wire'
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After 131 episodes and 5,565 minutes of fortnightly content, the official podcast of the RAF is 5 years old. As we celebrate this milestone of the lon...
Ep130: RAF Medical Services Support & Opportunities
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of 2025, we head to High Wycombe to meet with some of the RAF Medical Services team. We'll hear about the support they provide t...
Ep 129: Exercise Southern Sunrise Part 2
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're heading back to the Falkland Islands on exercise Southern Sunrise with the RAF Regiment reserves. We're back in the South A...
Ep 128: Exercise Southern Sunrise Part 1
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're going on exercise with the RAF Regiment Reserves to the South Atlantic. Exercise Southern Sunrise saw members of the RAuxAF Re...
Ep 127: Veteran Voices
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Listening to those who served before can inspire those who serve today. In this episode, Media Officer Flight Lieutenant Mark McKinstry delves into th...
Ep 126: Warfighting Mindset at Lossiemouth
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to be serving and living on one of the RAF's frontline stations as the world becomes a more unstable place? As global instability...
Ep 125: Through Adversity to Air HR
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll meet some of the team working behind the scenes to ensure that all Air HR functions are fit for purpose in 2025 and beyond. ...
Ep 124: RAF On Show at DSEI
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The RAF loves its acronyms and initialisms, and these were out in force when InsideAIR went along to the RAF stand at Defence and Security Equipment I...
Ep 123: RAF in Northern Ireland
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How the public perceives the RAF can be pivotal to its effectiveness, whether that's with operations, recruitment or being accepted by the communities...
Ep 122: Air Cadets at RIAT
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The InsideAIR team has handed the mic over to RAF Air Cadets for a special episode recorded LIVE at RIAT 2025! Join Cadet Flight Sergeants Hannah and ...
Ep 121: 78 Squadron - Nobody Unprepared Pt 2
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last time around on InsideAIR, we caught up with some of the 78 Squadron team based at the HQ of NATS in Swanwick, Hampshire. Part 2 picks the story ...
Ep 120: 78 Squadron - Nobody Unprepared Pt 1
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The UK has some of the most congested airspace in the world. Ensuring military and civilian aircraft don't get in the way of each other is just one th...
Ep 119: 'An RAF Spokesperson Said...'
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
His job could be described as both getting the RAF in the news and keeping the RAF out of the news – neither are easy. This week's InsideAIR heads t...
Ep 118: The Warfighting Chef
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which is the best profession in the Royal Air Force? If you said Pilot, Aircraft Technician, or Regiment Gunner, Chef Warrant Officer Chris Beavis, mi...
Ep 117: Frontline NHS to Frontline RAF
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Juggling a Reserve commitment with a busy civilian job is something that's part and parcel of life for the thousands of Reserves currently serving in...
Ep 116: Be Ready to Fly & Fight
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll hear from the team at RAF Marham in Norfolk, about how their 'BeReady' strategy is ensuring that the whole force team is coming...
Ep 115: Operational Readiness Through Orienteering
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we catch up with the Air Officer Wales and find out how his passion for the sport of orienteering ties in directly with life in the R...
Ep 114: The Next Battle of Britain
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The hope is there won't be another Battle of Britain. However, should the unthinkable happen, what has changed since the last battle, how might an Int...
Ep 113: GCAP - 6th Generation Aircraft
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the next generation of aircraft to enter into service with the Royal Air Force. Tempest, GCAP and FCAS.. want t...
Ep 112: Puma Retires
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever crewed, been flown in or serviced a Puma? March sees the retirement of this medium support helicopter that has carried troops, supplies ...
Ep 111: Part 2, Top Guns: Inside the RAF - Behind The Scenes
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the second instalment of our two part feature about Channel 4's documentary on the RAF we rejoin InsideAIR's Air Specialist 1 Emma Kirwan as she go...
Ep 110: Top Guns: Inside the RAF - Behind The Scenes
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you make a TV documentary on a busy, operational and in places, secretive RAF station? Balancing the needs and wishes of the people being filme...
Ep 109: DE&S - Delivering War Fighting Capability to the RAF
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Acquiring new platforms, upgrading current platforms so they remain relevant, and ensuring the support solutions, supplies and spares are in place. Th...
Ep 108: On Exercise With the RNLI
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A joint RAF & RNLI exercise took place recently off the coast of the Isle of Man with a 202 Squadron Jupiter helicopter from RAF Valley playing the le...
Ep 107: Pan-Defence Skills and Professions Programme
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
'When will I be promoted, how much will I be paid, does the job still make me happy?' If you're already serving in the RAF, these career related quest...
Ep 106: Red Arrows Diamond 60
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
2024 saw the 60th anniversary of the formation of the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. InsideAIR's Flight Lieutenant Amy Casey finds out why they w...
Ep 105: Atlas vs Hercules - A Pilot's View
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When the Atlas C.1 A400M entered service with the RAF ten years ago, many asked whether this tactical airlift aircraft would ever be as good as the mu...
Ep 104: Rapid Capability Development for a 5th Gen Air Force
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to the RAF's Chief Modelling and Simulation Officer, 'Commercial' is actually about delivering capability at pace that the war fighter needs...
Ep 103: The RAF Air Historical Branch
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll step behind the scenes at the Air Historical Branch at Northolt to check out the huge variety of work they undertake going back...
Ep 102: From Flyer to Fighter - Flying Training Update
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On InsideAIR this week, we get the latest on flying training. As Head of Flying Training for the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, Air Commodore Rob Caine's ...
Ep 101: The Red Arrows Maple Hawk Tour of Canada
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), the Red Arrows, have just returned from a very successful six-week tour of Canada on 'Maple Hawk'. The RA...
Ep 100: 100th Episode Special with CAS - People, Technology and Operations
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this 100th episode special, Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton joins Squadron Leader Peter Lisney to look back at some of the significant...
Ep 99: Poseidon in the Pacific
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This summer, two Poseidon MRA.1 (P-8A) Maritime Reconnaissance Attack aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth flew to Hawaii for the world's largest internation...
Ep 98: 617 Squadron on QRA in Iceland
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The RAF normally employs its Typhoon jet fighters for land-based NATO Air Policing missions. However, this year, 617 Squadron's F-35 B Lightnings took...
Ep 97: The Red Arrows to Canada
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, have set off to help the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrate its centenary. What does it take to...
Ep 96: NATO Air and Space Power and the RAF's Contribution
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Speaking about the RAF's contribution to NATO air and space power, Air Marshal Johnny Stringer says, "There's no point in having an air show air force...
Ep 95: NATO Enhanced Air Policing with the RAF and Finnish Air Force
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Finnish Air Force has deployed to Romania on its first NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission, operating alongside the RAF's 140 Expeditionary Air Win...
Ep 94: "Ready to Fly and Fight" Chief of the Air Staff
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to be ready to fly and fight? Where will that fight be? And why is the RAF changing the way it operates? Chief of the Air Staff, Air...
Ep 93: Air Intelligence Out of the Shadows
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We hear a lot about RAF and general military intelligence, but what do we actually mean when we talk about it? Who's involved, what do they do, how...
Ep 92: NATO School Oberammergau
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For more than 70 years, the small Bavarian town of Oberammergau has been host to a NATO School. With 115 courses attended by 11,000 students annually,...
Ep 91: Cyberspace Profession in the RAF
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cyberspace is a domain we're hearing more and more about and its importance to every aspect of what we do, day-in and day-out is growing. But when we...
Ep 90: ENJJPT - RAF Fast Jet Training in Texas
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of InsideAIR, we're off to Texas for RAF fighter pilot training The RAF sends some of its trainee pilots to the United States to lea...
Ep 89: The Future of Aerospace Medicine
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While scientists and engineers develop the RAF's sixth generation combat aircraft, a specialist team of aviation and space medicine consultants are w...
Ep 88: No Light, No NVG, No Option But Go In
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the last forces personnel were evacuated from Kabul in August 2021, two German soldiers were accidentally left behind, leading to an incredible res...
Ep 87: Every Reservist a Warfighter
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In 2021, the Government published a list of recommendations in the Reserve Forces Review 2030. Less than a year later Russia invaded Ukraine. What hap...
Ep 86: Saving Lives in the Air - The Centre of Aerospace Medicine
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we take a look around the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine at RAF Henlow. Aircraft rapid decompression and loss of oxygen can be ...
Ep 85: AVM Suraya Marshall "Do the right thing, not the easy thing"
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Change, culture, leadership, and the benefits of a diverse environment. These are just some of the topics Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall considers...
Ep 84: UK Space Operations
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We hear lots about the space domain, but what does that actually mean and how is the UK using it as part of its defence policy? Air Vice-Marshal Paul...
Ep 83: LEGAD and POLAD on Ops - Targeting's Check and Balance
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
'Could we hit it?', 'Should we hit it?' Before RAF aircraft can strike a target, these questions must be asked, and it's down to the targeting team's ...
Ep 82: Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode, we catch up with the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam. Warrant Officer Sub...
Ep 81: X Flight - Reserve Aircrew
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can you take a civilian airline pilot, make them an RAF Reservist and have them operate a state-of-the-art military ISTAR aircraft? Well, if the aircr...
Ep 80: Top Ten Episodes of 2023
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As InsideAIR reaches its third birthday, our correspondent AS1 Victoria Andrews takes a look back at your top ten favourite episodes from the past 12 ...
Ep 79: Protector to the Skies
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
InsideAIR goes behind the scenes at RAF Waddington as the RAF's latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) makes its maiden flight. The Protector RG M...
Ep 78: RAF Training Specialisation
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The annual RAF Training Specialisation Conference has just taken place at RAF Halton. Military Training Specialists are at the very heart of preparin...
Ep 77: American Football with the RAF Mustangs
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
RAF Mustangs are back, but this time in the shape of the RAF's American Football team. Our correspondent AS1 Emma Kirwan went pitch side to find out w...
Ep 76: Liz McConaghy - Life on Chinook, Life After Chinook
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the incredible story of former RAF Chinook Crewman, Liz McConaghy. From pulling the trigger and being shot at, to extracting wounded soldiers...
Ep 75: Testing Military Aircraft
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's InsideAIR, we enter the fascinating world of test pilots, aircrew and engineers. Find out from the RAF's Chief Test Pilot why in this ...
Ep 74: Espionage - A Local Threat?
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Protecting the RAF's secrets is the life-long responsibility of everyone who wears the uniform. Whether that's online, on a night out or even in your...
Ep 73: Move, eat, think and sleep
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
'Move, eat, think and sleep' is a new initiative to help RAF personnel physically, mentally and emotionally both in work and outside.It's a new initia...
Ep 72: The UK, NATO & SHAPE
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The UK's National Military Representative to SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), is Air Commodore Steve Kilvington. In this episode, h...
Ep 71: The RAF in Scotland
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Scotland plays a significant role in the RAF's defence of the United Kingdom with both Typhoon QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) jets and the Poseidon multi-...
Ep 70: NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the RAF's involvement in Air Policing Missions over NATO's Eastern flank have taken on a new significance ...
Ep 69: Chinook vs Typhoon at RIAT
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Which is best, Chinook or Typhoon? That's the question we asked the Chinook and Typhoon display pilots at the Royal International Air Tattoo. We also ...
Ep 68: F1 Meets Typhoon
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How does being behind the wheel of a Formula One racing car compare with taking the controls of a Typhoon jet fighter? Mercedes F1 driver George Russe...
Ep 67: Career Management Nexus
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine a world where you can carry out your RAF career management on your phone! That world is coming with the RAF Career Management Nexus. Air Comm...
Ep 66: TT 2023 with Cpl Michael 'Jack' Russell
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The world-famous Isle of Man TT Races have just finished for 2023 and Brize Norton-based Cpl Michael 'Jack' Russell was back with a record in mind - t...
Ep 65: Chief of the Air Staff
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, is approaching the end of his 4-years leading the Royal Air Force It's certainly been...
Ep 64: Agile Combat Employment (ACE)
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is bringing a big change to RAF mindsets and working practices. It's all about a state of readiness and resilience. Air...
Ep 63: Wings for the Prince
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
King Charles III is now the Commander-in-Chief of the UK Armed Forces, but he started his military career earning his pilot wings in the Royal Air For...
Ep 62: Fast Jets, Drones and Congested Airspace
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How is the RAF dealing with the risks and threats posed by drones in an increasingly congested airspace? InsideAIR explores drone near misses, air sa...
Ep 61: Inside the Air and Space Ops Profession
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In 2022, the RAF started its transition from Trades and Branches to Professions. Almost a year on, InsideAIR met with team members from the Defence Co...
Ep 60: RAF Leaders - Born or Made?
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership is a core element of RAF training, but can you really make a leader out of anyone? InsideAIR put this question to Air Marshal Sir Rich Knig...
Ep 59: Training for NATO Ops at the OTC
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 35 we looked at the work of the Operational Training Centre that prepares the RAF's Expeditionary Air Wings for operations globally. A year...
Ep 58: The RAF Families Federation
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From providing confidential help and support, to lobbying government, the RAF Families Federation is committed to improving the quality of life for th...
Ep 57: Being Your Authentic Self
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Through her roles with the RAF, NATO and Strategic Command, Warrant Officer Sara Catterall MBE has worked with people from many different nations. She...
Ep 56: Evolution of Force Protection
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Force Protection has evolved. The RAF Police now comes under Air Security Force and the RAF Regiment now comes under Combat and Readiness Force. Why w...
Ep 55: Mindfulness Under Fire
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former combat helicopter pilot and Squadron Leader, Sarah Furness, has translated the lessons she learned under fire into military-grade mindfulness s...
Ep 54: Top Ten Episodes of 2022
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As InsideAIR reaches its second birthday, we asked our correspondent AS1 Emma Kirwan to tell us your top ten favourite episodes of 2022 based on numbe...
EP 53: The RAF in Qatar
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Home nation involvement on the pitch may have come to an end on Saturday, when England followed Wales to the departure gate at Doha Airport, but the U...
Ep 52: Paternity Leave in the RAF
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting can be a challenge at the best of times, but what's it like to become a parent whilst serving in the RAF? Flt Lt Amy Casey talks to Adrienn...
Ep 51: Astra the Inside Story
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
RAF Astra is all about delivering the Next Generation Royal Air Force. This week on InsideAIR, we go backstage at the Astra Awards to meet the inspira...
Ep 50: Poppies in the Desert with 83 EAG
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On Remembrance Day in the UK, serving personnel and veterans might reflect on their time on operations, but is it any different for RAF aviators who a...
Ep 49: RAF Police - Blueprint for Success
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The RAF Police's Project Blueprint uses mobile tech to rapidly respond to any situation, streamline admin processes, go paperless and help secure bett...
Ep 48: Typhoons Go Pitch Black Down Under
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Exercises are crucial to ensuring combat readiness and strengthening relationships between partner and allied nations. Last month 6 Squadron, a frontl...
Ep 47: Tributes to Her Majesty The Queen
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is with great sadness that we bring to you this very special episode of InsideAIR, to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second who pas...
Ep 46: Work Hard, Drive Hard, Ride Fast with RAF Motorsports
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sport plays a crucial role in developing RAF personnel and there are few sports faster, noisier or more thrilling than motorsports. We sent Inside A...
Ep 45: 90SU Hatch Raven
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you trust your people and give them backing and investment, the results can be startling. That's how a small team of aviators from 90 Signals Uni...
Ep 44: Central Flying School
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Central Flying School (CFS) has been around for almost as long as powered aviation itself. InsideAIR caught up with the Commandant, Group Captain ...
Ep 43: Enhanced Air Policing in Romania
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are the challenges when fulfilling a NATO operation close to Ukraine while Russia's invasion continues? InsideAIR takes us to Mihail Kogalniceanu...
Ep 42: Trades and Branches Out, Professions In
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For more than half its existence, the RAF has organised its officers into Branches and enlisted personnel into Trades. However, it has now been decide...
Ep 41: Atlantic Flyers
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by the resilience of desperately ill children, four RAF pilots swapped their normal cockpits for one in a transatlantic rowing boat. Three th...
Ep 40 Queen's Jubilee Pageant
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant was just one of the many events in which RAF aviators took part to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Ou...