The Royal Air Force deployed British aircraft to join US-led air raids targeting Houthi drone-manufacturing facilities in Yemen, marking their first participation in such operations.

The RAF participated in joint airstrikes with US forces against a Houthi-controlled military facility in Yemen. The operation, part of a broader campaign following a US attack on a migrant detention center, reflects a militaristic engagement with potential for civilian harm.

RAF jets, in coordination with US forces, carried out a strike on a Houthi target in Yemen – the first such strike in almost a year – an action publicly backed by the UK's Foreign Secretary. This event reflects a politically charged military intervention.

The RAF announced its Defence Drone Strategy and the RAF Autonomous Collaborative Platforms Strategy, outlining plans to integrate advanced uncrewed systems and AI-driven autonomous platforms into frontline operations over the next decade. The strategy emphasizes human-machine teamwork and cost-benefit analysis, while also noting legal and ethical review, yet raises concerns about increased reliance on technology that could diminish human accountability in combat.

An internal inquiry by the Ministry of Defence revealed that the RAF's diversity targets aimed at increasing the representation of women and ethnic minorities led to unlawful positive discrimination against white men. Affected personnel, including 31 individuals held back in training, were subsequently compensated, and the new head of the RAF issued an apology acknowledging the issue.

The Royal Air Force is set to form a second fighter squadron in Yorkshire in September as part of a £6-billion arms deal with Qatar. The partnership raises concerns due to Qatar’s alleged financial support of extremist groups, deepening ties with an authoritarian regime criticized for funding terrorism.

The RAF is expanding its defence partnership with Qatar by establishing a new joint Hawk training squadron at RAF Leeming and scheduling periodic deployments of the RAF Voyager to Qatar for air-to-air refuelling training. This collaboration aims to increase interoperability between the UK and Qatari airforces through enhanced training and infrastructure investments.