Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Sentinel R1 withdrawal sees RAF bid farewell to V (AC) Squadron

Defence

Sentinel R1 withdrawal sees RAF bid farewell to V (AC) Squadron

The Royal Air Force (RAF) have today officially disbanded V (Army Cooperation) Squadron, following the withdrawal of the Sentinel R1 aircraft from RAF service.

Image courtesy Raytheon UK

The occasion was marked with a ceremonial parade at RAF Waddington with the Squadron Standard being lodged at RAF Cranwell.

The disbandment of V (AC) Squadron follows the withdrawal of the Sentinel R1 aircraft from RAF service. The squadron has been operating the Sentinel R1 as part of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Force based at RAF Waddington.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The Squadron was first formed in 1913 and has a rich history that includes service during both World Wars, and the Gulf War.  The squadron has operated aircraft such as the Avro 504, Lightning F6 and Tornado F3 and has been awarded many Battle Honours from all over the World.

In recent years since the Squadron began operating the Sentinel R1, the Squadron has been committed to multiple operations including Op Shader in the Middle East and Op Ellamy in Libya.  Squadron aircraft have also been used to directly assist Civilian Authorities in the UK delivering information to decision makers across government.

The Disbandment Parade was limited due to COVID-19 regulations however, Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew the RAF’s Deputy Commander Operations, Air Vice Marshal Allan Marshall, the Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group and members of Raytheon UK senior leadership were able to attend.  Upon conclusion of the parade the Squadron Standard underwent the ceremonial process of being lodged at RAF Cranwell amongst similarly illustrious Standards.

The Squadron has called RAF Waddington home for a great number of years, something the Station Commander, Group Captain Steve Kilvington reflected on when he said: “The Sentinel R1 of V(AC) Squadron has been a familiar sight here at RAF Waddington for the past 14 years, during which time it has delivered exceptional support to numerous operations across the globe.

“Whether tackling insurgency in the Middle East or supporting NATO on Europe’s flanks, the Squadron’s output has truly epitomised the Whole Force concept. Whether military, civilian or contractor, everyone has performed time and again to assure delivery of vital Defence outputs.”

The Sentinel R1 was manufactured by Raytheon UK. Mr James Gray, the Managing Director of Raytheon Cyber, Space and Training said: "We are honoured to have worked side by side with V (AC) Squadron at RAF Waddington on the Sentinel R1 fleet. Raytheon UK continues to develop and invest in new multi-mission ISR solutions for both non-traditional and traditional ISR platforms and we look forward to partnering with the RAF for many years to come."

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

As the Squadron disbands, the military personnel will be posted to new roles throughout the RAF, however the memories and achievements of the Squadron will live on. At the conclusion of the parade Group Captain Kilvington said: “It has been my privilege to work with the men and women of V(AC) Squadron and whilst the current situation means that we are not able to give them quite the send-off we would wish, everyone should feel immensely proud of what they have all achieved.”


 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

Defence

GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

10 July 2025

GKN Aerospace has has signed a six-year follow-on contract with BAE Systems for continued manufacture of Eurofighter Typhoon transparencies at its Luton facility, through to the end of 2030.

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

Defence Security

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

10 July 2025

Metis has won a contract to supply a number of Skyperion drone detection systems to a NATO customer to provide the drone detect function as part of an integrated Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) capability.

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

Defence Space

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

10 July 2025

ALL.SPACE has revealed a major advancement in mobile satellite communications with the successful demonstration of Hydra MAX - the first network independent terminal of its kind to deliver ultra wideband communications to multiple satellites simultaneously.

BAE Systems assessed

Defence

BAE Systems assessed 'Awardable' for US DoD work in P1 Solutions Marketplace

9 July 2025

BAE Systems in collaboration with Defense Unicorns, have announced that their joint solution has achieved 'Awardable' status for US Department of Defense (DoD) work through the US Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

Defence

Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

8 July 2025

UK Government plans to deliver jobs across the country by unlocking the full economic potential of Britain's defence sector are being unveiled today.

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

Defence

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

8 July 2025

Construction has started on a new 50-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT