Introduction
All the photographs in this section are taken at UK military airfields up and down the United Kingdom. The majority are active military establishments operated by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army and the United States Air Force. The passion for the these airfields spreads many years and even though today they are not as busy or have as many diverse aircraft operating from them they still provide an excellent places for avaition photography.
Please browse the individual pages and view the photographs. We have also included a map of each airfield for you to download as a PDF. All photographs are © Copyright Peregrine Bush. If you want a copy please contact the photographer, Peregrine Bush
Stations featured
RAF Brize Norton | Oxfordshire
RAF Brize Norton is the largest station in the Royal Air Force and the primary hub for the UK’s Strategic and Tactical Air Transport (AT) and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) operations. Located in Oxfordshire, the base is home to approximately 5,800 military personnel and 1,200 civilian staff. It operates the core of the RAF's heavy air mobility fleet
RAF Coningsby | Lincolnshire
RAF Coningsby is one of the Royal Air Force’s two primary front-line Quick Reaction Alert (South) fighter stations, located in Lincolnshire. Its central mission is to maintain 24/7 airspace defence for the southern United Kingdom, while also training pilots and developing operational tactics for modern combat. Home to front-line combat units—including No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron and No. XI (Fighter) Squadron—ready to scramble armed jets within minutes to intercept unidentified or hostile aircraft approaching UK airspace. Bases No. 29 Squadron (the Operational Conversion Unit responsible for training all RAF Typhoon pilots) and No. 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron, which tests and clears aircraft upgrades, avionics, and advanced weapons systems.
RAF Cranwell | Lincolnshire
Royal Air Force Cranwell serves as the spiritual home and central training hub of the Royal Air Force. Its overarching mission is to attract, select, educate, and train the future leadership, aircrew, and personnel of the RAF to meet modern operational and defence requirements. Home to the Royal Air Force College (RAFC) and the RAF Officer Training Academy (RAFOTA). Headquartered by No. 3 Flying Training School (No. 3 FTS) and No. 6 FTS under the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). It oversees elementary flight grading and multi-engine pilot training (operated primarily via the Embraer Phenom 100 with No. 45 Squadron).
RAF Lakenheath | Suffolk
RAF Lakenheath is a Royal Air Force station located near Lakenheath in Suffolk, England. Despite its RAF name, the installation is operated almost entirely by the United States Air Force (USAF) and serves as the largest American airbase in the United Kingdom. It serves as the home base for the 48th Fighter Wing (known as the Liberty Wing), part of United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). Home to USAF F-35A Lightning II stealth multi-role fighters (operated by units such as the 493rd and 495th Fighter Squadrons), making Lakenheath the first permanent overseas base for US Air Force F-35s in Europe. Bases the F-15E Strike Eagle dual-role combat aircraft (operated by the 492nd and 494th Fighter Squadrons), providing all-weather precision strike and air-to-air capabilities.
RAF Marham | Norfolk
RAF Marham is a major front-line Royal Air Force station located near King's Lynn in Norfolk, England. It serves as the sovereign home and primary operating base for the UK’s fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning stealth multi-role combat aircraft. Central hub for the UK's joint RAF and Royal Navy F-35B operations, housing front-line units such as No. 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) and No. 809 Naval Air Squadron (The Immortals), alongside No. 207 Squadron (the Operational Conversion Unit for pilot training).
RAF Mildenhall | Suffolk
RAF Mildenhall is a major military airbase located in Suffolk, England. Like nearby RAF Lakenheath, it is a Royal Air Force station operated primarily by the United States Air Force (USAF), functioning as the primary American aerial refuelling and special operations hub in Europe. The installation serves as the headquarters for the 100th Air Refueling Wing (100 ARW), the only permanent US air refuelling wing in the European theater. Operates the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (via the 351st Air Refueling Squadron), extending the reach, endurance, and global responsiveness of US and NATO combat, transport, and reconnaissance aircraft across Europe and Africa. Home to the 352d Special Operations Wing (352 SOW) under Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It flies the CV-22B Osprey tiltrotor and the MC-130J Commando II, conducting clandestine infiltration, exfiltration, resupply, and personnel recovery missions.
RAF Valley | Anglesey
RAF Valley is a major Royal Air Force station situated on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. It serves as the primary cradle for British military fast-jet combat pilots, delivering advanced flying training for both the RAF and the Royal Navy. Operating under No. 4 Flying Training School (No. 4 FTS) as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS), the base takes student aviators through critical tactical pipelines before they progress to front-line combat types like the Typhoon and F-35B Lightning. Basic Flying Training: Operated by No. 72 Squadron using the turboprop Beechcraft Texan T1, teaching low-level navigation, formation flying, and instrument flight. Advanced Jet Training: Operated by No. IV Squadron and No. XXV Squadron flying the BAE Systems Hawk T2, preparing crews in air-to-air combat, simulated weapons employment, and sensor fusion.
Wattisham Airfield | Suffolk
Wattisham Airfield (officially Wattisham Flying Station) is a major British military airfield located near Stowmarket and Ipswich in Suffolk, England. Originally an RAF front-line fighter base, it was transferred to the British Army in 1993 and now operates as the primary operational hub and headquarters for the Army Air Corps (AAC) attack helicopter force. Home to the British Army's front-line attack helicopter capability under 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team, housing 3 Regiment AAC and 4 Regiment AAC. It operates the modern Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian, providing close air support, deep strike, reconnaissance, and anti-armour fire support.s
Other Airfields | UK
Within this page you will find the other airfields that have been visited but not on a regular basis. These, amongst others include Linton-on-Ouse, Cottesmore, Lyneham and Coltishall. Following a radical shake up of the UK armed services these airfields have no been closed.
