Latest news with #RoyalAirForce
Leader Live
19 hours ago
- Business
- Leader Live
No place for Rhyl as Red Arrows shares full 2025 shows list
The Royal Air Force (RAF)'s aerobatic display team has been a mainstay at Rhyl Air Show, which is typically held on the Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend. But the event has not taken place in Rhyl since 2023, with no confirmation yet as to whether it will go ahead this summer. On the Red Arrows' full list of 2025 performances, it says that the aerobatic team will be at the Roskilde Airshow in Denmark on Sunday, August 24 (the bank holiday weekend). This follows its appearance at the Clacton Airshow and the Sidmouth Regatta show in Devon, both on Friday, August 22. Last month, Rhyl Air Show organisers Denbighshire Leisure Ltd said it hoped to share information regarding this year's event soon. The Red Arrows featured at the 2022 and 2023 Rhyl Air Shows, but did not attend the 2019 event – the last prior to the COVID-19 pandemic - as it clashed with a tour of North America. The Red Arrows at Rhyl Air Show in August 2023 (Image: Amy Owen) When it was confirmed in February 2024 that Rhyl Air Show would not go ahead that summer, Jamie Groves, Denbighshire Leisure's managing director, said: 'The Red Arrows have been an integral part of the air show programme over many years, usually providing a spectacular finale to the shows. 'Unfortunately, we have been informed that they will be away on an international tour over the summer, and unavailable for UK displays. Read more 'With the programme already subject to scrutiny over recent years, we believe the Red Arrows to be irreplaceable, and that their loss would inevitably lead to criticism of the Air Show. "We have concluded that it would be impossible for Denbighshire Leisure to deliver a show in keeping with the proud tradition of the Rhyl Air Show, which also meets public expectations, but we will come back in 2025 stronger.' As well as the Red Arrows, the 2023 Rhyl Air Show also featured performances from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Strikemaster Pair, Calidus Autogyro, and more.
Rhyl Journal
20 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
No place for Rhyl as Red Arrows shares full 2025 shows list
The Royal Air Force (RAF)'s aerobatic display team has been a mainstay at Rhyl Air Show, which is typically held on the Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend. But the event has not taken place in Rhyl since 2023, with no confirmation yet as to whether it will go ahead this summer. On the Red Arrows' full list of 2025 performances, it says that the aerobatic team will be at the Roskilde Airshow in Denmark on Sunday, August 24 (the bank holiday weekend). This follows its appearance at the Clacton Airshow and the Sidmouth Regatta show in Devon, both on Friday, August 22. When contacted by the Journal on May 21, Rhyl Air Show organisers Denbighshire Leisure Ltd said it hoped to share information regarding this year's event soon. The Red Arrows featured at the 2022 and 2023 Rhyl Air Shows, but did not attend the 2019 event – the last prior to the COVID-19 pandemic - as it clashed with a tour of North America. The Red Arrows at Rhyl Air Show in August 2023 (Image: Amy Owen) When it was confirmed in February 2024 that Rhyl Air Show would not go ahead that summer, Jamie Groves, Denbighshire Leisure's managing director, said: 'The Red Arrows have been an integral part of the air show programme over many years, usually providing a spectacular finale to the shows. 'Unfortunately, we have been informed that they will be away on an international tour over the summer, and unavailable for UK displays. 'With the programme already subject to scrutiny over recent years, we believe the Red Arrows to be irreplaceable, and that their loss would inevitably lead to criticism of the Air Show. "We have concluded that it would be impossible for Denbighshire Leisure to deliver a show in keeping with the proud tradition of the Rhyl Air Show, which also meets public expectations, but we will come back in 2025 stronger.' As well as the Red Arrows, the 2023 Rhyl Air Show also featured performances from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Strikemaster Pair, Calidus Autogyro, and more.
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Powys County Times
Powys Air Cadets finally have new minibus after four years
A LLANDRINDOD Wells organisation says it is 'delighted' to have finally achieved its goal of buying a new minibus for youngsters in the town. The Llandrindod Wells RAF Air Cadets recently purchased a new minibus, after a near four-year campaign that started in late 2021. The group's old bus had been sent to the garage and the initial hope was to repair it. However, it quickly became apparent that it would be too costly to fix and the cadets set up a fundraising page, with the aim to raise a modest total of £3,000. 'Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts to raise money for a replacement minibus over the last few years,' said the cadets on its Facebook page earlier this month, accompanied by a picture of proud youngsters standing next to the new Peugeot vehicle, which the kids have named 'Dennis'. 'We are delighted to have achieved our goal and on April 10 our minibus arrived. 'It has already been put to good use over the Easter holidays. So far it has supported our road marching, taken a group of cadets to RAF Cosford for flying and helped transport our gazebo to the lake for the Easter Saturday fun day. It (also) took the cadets to Sennybridge for a weekend of fieldcraft activities. 'Thank you to everyone who suggested a name for the minibus. The cadets decided on 'Dennis'.' The old minibus had served them faithfully for a decade but once it was sent for repairs it was discovered that would be too expensive, and a brand-new vehicle was required. The spa town-based squadron aims to train young men and women in leadership and citizenship roles through exciting and adventurous activities. The RAF Air Cadets offer young people exciting opportunities for personal and professional development. It describes itself as an inclusive organisation that cares about helping young people reach their potential. There are around 43,000 Royal Air Force Air Cadets across the UK, as well as 10,000 volunteer staff, who take part in exciting events at over 1,000 squadrons across the UK. From cyber and space to sports, flying and adventure training, being a cadet means trying new things in a safe environment, making friends along the way and gaining skills for life. To find out more about the RAF Air Cadets, visit
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Climate
- Times of Oman
Oman Authorities recover missing fisherman's body in Taqah
Muscat: Rescue teams from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority have located the body of the missing citizen along Khor Rori Beach in the Wilayat of Taqah, Dhofar Governorate. The man had gone fishing with his brother last Tuesday when their boat was overturned by high waves. While his brother managed to swim to safety and was taken to Taqah Hospital for medical treatment, the missing individual could not be located until today. The search operation was a collaborative effort involving the Royal Oman Police, the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, the Royal Air Force of Oman, and local citizens. Authorities express their condolences to the family and continue urging caution for those engaging in marine activities, particularly in rough sea conditions.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE £2 billion UK Apache helicopter gunships to get protection from drones as they fly too slowly over the battlefield
Defence chiefs are to invest billions on drones to protect 'slowcoach' Apache helicopters previously flown by Prince Harry, the Mail has learned. With their 30mm chain guns and Hellfire missiles, Apaches saved countless lives in Afghanistan and are considered vital to future frontline operations. However, in Ukraine, Russian attack helicopters operating along the line of combat engagement have proved vulnerable to cheap to produce kamikaze drones. As a result, a major review of Britain's defence priorities will focus on purchasing drones to protect 'legacy' helicopters, other aircraft and armoured vehicles. The long-awaited Strategic Defence Review, to be published on Monday, could commit more than £4 billion in additional funding for crewless systems. The drones, or Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs), will be managed by the Royal Air Force and will be introduced into service over the next decade. Systems tipped by defence insiders to be on the Ministry of Defence's shopping list include 'Loyal Wingman' drones which incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI). The integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft into a collaborative fighting force is known as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). The regular flying speed of the Army Air Corps' Apaches is around 180mph. Britain has a fleet of 50 (AH-6E) helicopter gunships made by Boeing and worth more than £2 billion. Last night, an Army source said: 'When you were on a mission in Afghanistan, the Apaches would take off first because they were slow and we would follow in a Chinook transport helicopter and catch them up. 'The vulnerability of helicopter gunships on the frontline has been a major takeaway from Ukraine and given the UK's long-term commitment to the Apache, this issue has to be addressed. 'To remain a viable option on the frontline, the Apaches will require crewless escorts to eliminate threats in what is a very crowded battlespace. 'Everything has changed in the last few years. Low-level flying was always danger but it has gone to another level now. 'The Apache fleet is worth around £2billion. That's a big write off if it has become obsolete.' The RAF published its Autonomous Collaborative Platform strategy last year. The service is committed to conducting MUM-T operations routinely by 2030. Last night, Matthew Savill, from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) said: 'A figure of £4bn additional funding on uncrewed systems would be a start. The SDR will have to prioritised between crewed and uncrewed. 'It is an interesting idea to put up drones to protect helicopters but that is a lot of clutter close to the ground. Armoured vehicles and tanks, such as Challenger 3, will also require active protection by drones to protect against other drones.' According to insiders, the SDR will commit 'less than £10 billion of additional funding' for new equipment over the duration of this parliament. As the UK's annual defence budget is currently £56.9 billion, £10 billion or less over four years was described last night as 'less than transformational'. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said: 'If this proves a damp squib SDR then blames lies with Labour's failure to properly fund defence. 'It should resist further welfare spending so we can go to 3 per cent of GDP on defence and give our military the tools for the job.' In a bid to reengage Britain's military with the civilian population, schoolchildren are to be taught the value of the armed forces, also as part of the Strategic Defence Review. The Ministry of Defence is looking to engage with the Department for Education on a project to challenge an apparent 'disconnect' between the armed forces and civilians. For the UK to sustain any long-term conflict against a peer adversary, it will be required to regenerate its forces from its civilian population, either voluntarily or through drafting. The MOD hopes to make pupils more aware of employment opportunities within the Army, Navy and RAF beyond the stereotypical roles of each service. These classes would be delivered as part of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PHSE) curriculum. Last night, the MOD said: 'We will not be drawn into commenting on claims regarding the review ahead of publication. 'This Government has announced the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the end of the Cold War - 2.5% by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament when fiscal and economic conditions allow, including an extra £5 billion this financial year. 'The SDR will rightly set the vision for how that uplift will be spent, including new capabilities to put us at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, investment in our people and making defence an engine for growth across the UK - making Britain more secure at home and strong abroad.'
