News & Staff Blogs
A Polish Air Force Fitter farewell
On the 10th and 11th of September, a significant chapter in the history of the Polish Air Force came to a close, as the nation officially retired the Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter from active service. Operated by Poland for over four decades, the iconic swing-wing fighter-bomber served as a mainstay of the country’s tactical strike capability throughout the latter stages of the Cold War and into the 21st century. In this article, Mark Empson explores the Su-22's storied career within the Polish Air Force and reports from the retirement celebrations that marked the end of operations for this cold war era aircraft.
AIRVG 2025
AIRVG24 was all about the passing of the Mikoyan MiG-21 in Croatian Air Force service, then AIRVG25 was all about the acceptance into service of the Dassault Aviation Rafale. The unique presence of the entire fleet of 12 Rafales (ten single-seat and two twin-seat aircraft) in one row in front of the crowd line was really the focal point of the whole event. Chris Lofting was present to record this truly historic event for the Croatian Air Force and its adoring public. Chris also provides his unique insight into the origins and service of Croatia’s Rafale fleet now in service.
Ramstein Flag 2025
Held from March 31-April 11, 2025 across Northern Europe, Ramstein Flag aimed to demonstrate NATO's ability to implement and execute what is termed its ‘Deter and Defend’ concept across its member countries. The Exercise is part of the ‘Flag’ exercise series with the inaugural Ramstein Flag held at Andravida Air Base in Greece back in 2024 with this year’s edition hosted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force at its Leeuwarden Air Base. Ian Harding reports on the exercise with supporting images from Ian, Wes Bushell, Nick Thompson and Mark Empson.
Turkish Air Force Phantom’s turn 50!
Over the weekend of November 16/17, 2024, the Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri) celebrated the 50th anniversary of their F-4E Phantom Terminator 2020 in service at the Ist Main Jet Base Eskişehir; the operational home base for 111 Filo and the test unit 401 Filo. With aviation press and enthusiasts in attendance, what transpired was a truly exceptional event and Chris Lofting was there for AeroResource to provide his own personal experience of proceedings.
KC-10A Bows Out
September 26th 2024 was an emotional day at Travis Air Force Base, California, when the final KC-10A departed, marking the end of operations with the United States Air Forces (USAF). Westleigh Bushell takes a look back at the operational career of this iconic jet.
Operational & Exercise Reports
Japan’s ‘Atlantic Eagles’
There is no question that the ‘historic’ first fighter deployment by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) to Europe captured the imagination of the aviation community far and wide. It got everyone discussing the possibilities and speculation surrounding the composition of the deployment; how long? how many aircraft? etc, which only added to the tension the aviation community felt. No surprise then that there were no official details provided by the RAF in the build-up, and It was not until the JASDF provided limited details that the military ‘rumour mill’ truly got going; and how it did!! Ian Harding was on hand at both RAF Coningsby and RAF Brize Norton during the deployment to capture this historic occasion.
Galileo SAR Meet 2025
The Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) meet returned to European aviation calendars in 2025. The Czech Republic’s 243rd Helicopter Squadron (243. vrtulníková letka, 243.vrl) played host to the meet, held from the 4th to 8th August at Prague’s Kbely AFB. AeroResource’s Nicholas Thompson travelled to Czechia to attend the media day, providing the opportunity to witness the culmination of the meet’s flying challenges.
Falcon Spring 2025
Falcon Spring is the Dutch Army’s annual training exercise for the 11th Airmobile Brigade (11th AMB), the Netherlands’ specialised rapid-response light infantry unit. The exercise brings together the 11th AMB and the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Defence Helicopter Command (DHC) to conduct intensive training in air assault, air manoeuvre, and joint combat operations. AeroResource’s Nicholas Thompson spoke to Lieutenant Colonel Sander, Commander of DHC’s 298 Squadron about his year’s edition, with images by Paul Thompson, who captured one of the exercise’s air assault missions at Ossesluis (De Wijk).
AIRVG 2025
AIRVG24 was all about the passing of the Mikoyan MiG-21 in Croatian Air Force service, then AIRVG25 was all about the acceptance into service of the Dassault Aviation Rafale. The unique presence of the entire fleet of 12 Rafales (ten single-seat and two twin-seat aircraft) in one row in front of the crowd line was really the focal point of the whole event. Chris Lofting was present to record this truly historic event for the Croatian Air Force and its adoring public. Chris also provides his unique insight into the origins and service of Croatia’s Rafale fleet now in service.
Ten Tors 2025
Blessed with fine weather on the Saturday; less so on the Sunday, the 2025 Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge events held over the northern half of the Dartmoor National Park in Devon over the weekend of May 11-12, 2025 was attempted by approximately 2,400 teenagers aged between 14 and 19 years old plus a further 400 teenagers and young adults with disabilities. Ian Harding/AeroResource takes a look at this incredible event with images provided by Mark Empson/AeroResource and Kevin Wills.
Event Reports
Northolt Nightshoot XXXIII
Thursday, 2nd October 2025 marked the 33rd edition of the RAF Northolt nightshoot, once again attended by AeroResource editors Mark Empson and Nick Thompson. Photographers enjoyed favourable conditions—despite some cloud cover, the skies remained dark [...]
Japan’s ‘Atlantic Eagles’
There is no question that the ‘historic’ first fighter deployment by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) to Europe captured the imagination of the aviation community far and wide. It got everyone discussing the possibilities and speculation surrounding the composition of the deployment; how long? how many aircraft? etc, which only added to the tension the aviation community felt. No surprise then that there were no official details provided by the RAF in the build-up, and It was not until the JASDF provided limited details that the military ‘rumour mill’ truly got going; and how it did!! Ian Harding was on hand at both RAF Coningsby and RAF Brize Norton during the deployment to capture this historic occasion.
A Polish Air Force Fitter farewell
On the 10th and 11th of September, a significant chapter in the history of the Polish Air Force came to a close, as the nation officially retired the Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter from active service. Operated by Poland for over four decades, the iconic swing-wing fighter-bomber served as a mainstay of the country’s tactical strike capability throughout the latter stages of the Cold War and into the 21st century. In this article, Mark Empson explores the Su-22's storied career within the Polish Air Force and reports from the retirement celebrations that marked the end of operations for this cold war era aircraft.
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic curtailed any opportunity for the Royal International Air Tattoo to mark its 50th anniversary with the scale of celebration it deserved. In 2025, however, RIAT was presented a new occasion for commemoration: the 40th anniversary of its first show at RAF Fairford, now firmly established as the Air Tattoo’s modern-day home. We look at this year’s show and also reflect on the event’s future in light of the discussions that have dominated the post-show discourse. Over the course of the show weekend, the AeroResource team was on the ground in Gloucestershire.
AIRVG 2025
AIRVG24 was all about the passing of the Mikoyan MiG-21 in Croatian Air Force service, then AIRVG25 was all about the acceptance into service of the Dassault Aviation Rafale. The unique presence of the entire fleet of 12 Rafales (ten single-seat and two twin-seat aircraft) in one row in front of the crowd line was really the focal point of the whole event. Chris Lofting was present to record this truly historic event for the Croatian Air Force and its adoring public. Chris also provides his unique insight into the origins and service of Croatia’s Rafale fleet now in service.
Historic & Museum Reports
A Polish Air Force Fitter farewell
On the 10th and 11th of September, a significant chapter in the history of the Polish Air Force came to a close, as the nation officially retired the Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter from active service. Operated by Poland for over four decades, the iconic swing-wing fighter-bomber served as a mainstay of the country’s tactical strike capability throughout the latter stages of the Cold War and into the 21st century. In this article, Mark Empson explores the Su-22's storied career within the Polish Air Force and reports from the retirement celebrations that marked the end of operations for this cold war era aircraft.
RAF Puma, 54 & out
The Westland Puma HC2 currently serving with 33 and 230 Squadron at RAF Benson, and 84 Squadron at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, will be withdrawn from service on March 31, 2025. Ian Harding provides a brief review of the helicopter at the end of an illustrious 54 years operational career which commenced with the types first operational flight on September 29, 1971. Throughout this period, the Puma, its aircrew and maintainers have been deployed on numerous operations including combat operations, exercises, provided humanitarian relief, and during more recent times, provided search and rescue capability and fulfilled fire-fighting duties. The Puma had become a genuine ‘jack of all trades’ and will therefore be sadly missed.
Turkish Air Force Phantom’s turn 50!
Over the weekend of November 16/17, 2024, the Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri) celebrated the 50th anniversary of their F-4E Phantom Terminator 2020 in service at the Ist Main Jet Base Eskişehir; the operational home base for 111 Filo and the test unit 401 Filo. With aviation press and enthusiasts in attendance, what transpired was a truly exceptional event and Chris Lofting was there for AeroResource to provide his own personal experience of proceedings.
Jurmala Airport Air Zoo
Just 40 miles west of the Latvian capital Riga in the small sleepy town of Tukums sits Jurmala Airport. Once a Soviet air base, the site is now home to an interesting yet largely unknown [...]
Hawker Siddeley Harrier T4A XW271
From its initial conception and drawings made in 1957 by Ralph Hooper, the P.1127/P.1154/Kestrel went on to become the well-known and much loved icon of British aviation - the Hawker Siddeley Harrier. The first production [...]