321123 RAF PILOT SEATED IN A/ C 60S

At the end of World War II, the British Air Force (RAF) was one of the most powerful in the world, with many highly successful aircraft and experienced pilots. During the Cold War (1946-1981/1991) the RAF maintained this position to some extent. First of all, he relatively quickly introduced into the line successful fighter jets of native design (eg Hawker Hunter, and later BAC Lightning), but also strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear bombs (eg Handley Page Victor or Avro Vulcan). The RAF also proved its effectiveness in many operations conducted at that time, most notably during the Falklands War in 1982. After the end of the Cold War, the RAF took part in such conflicts as the First Gulf War (1990-1991) and the 2003 Iraq War. At the same time, its number decreased - while in 1993, the RAF served about 81,000 people, in 1997 it was already about 57,000, and in 2006 - only about 46,000 soldiers. It is estimated that there are currently approximately 990 pilot aircraft in the RAF. The main multi-role and air superiority fighter are Eurofighter machines, which are to be supplemented by the purchase (already in progress) of 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft.