[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Defence Index [@Defence_Index](/creator/twitter/Defence_Index) on x 151.5K followers Created: 2025-07-14 10:01:42 UTC 🇬🇧 Europe’s Most Powerful Air Force: The Rise of Britain’s RAF in the Age of Stealth and Nuclear Deterrence By Defence Index The Royal Air Force (RAF) has quietly emerged as Europe’s most advanced and strategically capable air force. With a fleet of around XXX aircraft and a rapidly modernizing structure, the RAF is not just a legacy force resting on history — it is now defined by stealth, precision, and global reach. At the heart of this transformation is the 🔹F-35B Lightning II, the fifth-generation stealth fighter jointly operated by the RAF and Royal Navy. With XX jets already delivered, XX on order, and plans to eventually field up to 138, Britain is the only country in Europe operating a stealth fighter — a decisive edge over regional peers. These aircraft can operate from land bases or from the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, giving the RAF rare flexibility in projecting power across seas and continents. The UK is also preparing to equip its F-35Bs with American-made B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangement — a development that would mark a return to an airborne nuclear delivery role not seen since the retirement of the Tornado. While the stealth fleet grabs headlines, the backbone of the RAF remains the 🔹Eurofighter Typhoon. With XXX in service and undergoing major upgrades, the Typhoon continues to serve as the UK’s primary air superiority and strike fighter. Meanwhile, the 🔹Panavia Tornado, once the RAF’s premier low-level strike aircraft and Cold War nuclear platform, was retired in 2019 after more than four decades of service. What sets the RAF apart from its European counterparts is not just technology, but global mobility. The UK operates strategic airlift and refueling assets including the C-17 Globemaster, A400M Atlas, and Voyager tankers, allowing it to sustain operations far beyond the European theatre. Surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities are expanding as well, with assets like the RC-135 Rivet Joint, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and the soon-to-be-operational Protector RG Mk1 drones. France remains the closest competitor in Europe, fielding more aircraft overall, an independent nuclear deterrent, and a proven naval aviation wing with Rafale fighters aboard the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. However, France does not yet operate a fifth-generation fighter, and that technological gap is becoming increasingly significant as modern air combat evolves. With unmatched stealth capability, expanding nuclear integration, and true expeditionary reach, the Royal Air Force stands today not just as a symbol of British power, but as Europe’s most capable and combat-ready air force — built for the challenges of 21st-century warfare.  XXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [air force](/topic/air-force) [defence](/topic/defence) [Post Link](https://x.com/Defence_Index/status/1944698812296991106)
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Defence Index @Defence_Index on x 151.5K followers
Created: 2025-07-14 10:01:42 UTC
🇬🇧 Europe’s Most Powerful Air Force: The Rise of Britain’s RAF in the Age of Stealth and Nuclear Deterrence
By Defence Index
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has quietly emerged as Europe’s most advanced and strategically capable air force. With a fleet of around XXX aircraft and a rapidly modernizing structure, the RAF is not just a legacy force resting on history — it is now defined by stealth, precision, and global reach.
At the heart of this transformation is the 🔹F-35B Lightning II, the fifth-generation stealth fighter jointly operated by the RAF and Royal Navy. With XX jets already delivered, XX on order, and plans to eventually field up to 138, Britain is the only country in Europe operating a stealth fighter — a decisive edge over regional peers. These aircraft can operate from land bases or from the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, giving the RAF rare flexibility in projecting power across seas and continents.
The UK is also preparing to equip its F-35Bs with American-made B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangement — a development that would mark a return to an airborne nuclear delivery role not seen since the retirement of the Tornado.
While the stealth fleet grabs headlines, the backbone of the RAF remains the 🔹Eurofighter Typhoon. With XXX in service and undergoing major upgrades, the Typhoon continues to serve as the UK’s primary air superiority and strike fighter.
Meanwhile, the 🔹Panavia Tornado, once the RAF’s premier low-level strike aircraft and Cold War nuclear platform, was retired in 2019 after more than four decades of service.
What sets the RAF apart from its European counterparts is not just technology, but global mobility. The UK operates strategic airlift and refueling assets including the C-17 Globemaster, A400M Atlas, and Voyager tankers, allowing it to sustain operations far beyond the European theatre. Surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities are expanding as well, with assets like the RC-135 Rivet Joint, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and the soon-to-be-operational Protector RG Mk1 drones.
France remains the closest competitor in Europe, fielding more aircraft overall, an independent nuclear deterrent, and a proven naval aviation wing with Rafale fighters aboard the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. However, France does not yet operate a fifth-generation fighter, and that technological gap is becoming increasingly significant as modern air combat evolves.
With unmatched stealth capability, expanding nuclear integration, and true expeditionary reach, the Royal Air Force stands today not just as a symbol of British power, but as Europe’s most capable and combat-ready air force — built for the challenges of 21st-century warfare.
XXXXX engagements
