Two pro-Palestinian activists infiltrated RAF Brize Norton, the United Kingdom’s largest air base, in the early hours of 20 June and damaged two Airbus Voyager KC2/KC3 tanker aircraft, marking one of the most serious security breaches at a British military facility in recent years. Body-camera video released by the campaign group Palestine Action shows the pair riding electric scooters across the runway before spraying red paint from repurposed fire extinguishers into the jets’ engines and striking the airframes with crowbars. Paint was also sprayed on the runway and a Palestinian flag was left at the site. The Ministry of Defence said no personnel were harmed and flight operations were not disrupted, but engineers are still assessing the extent of the mechanical damage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “disgraceful,” while Defence Secretary John Healey ordered an immediate investigation and a wider review of security across the defence estate. Thames Valley Police are treating the break-in as criminal damage; by late Friday no arrests had been announced. Former foreign secretary James Cleverly urged authorities to treat the act as sabotage rather than simple vandalism. Palestine Action said it targeted the Voyagers because flights from Brize Norton to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus allegedly support Israeli military operations in Gaza. Defence analysts dispute that claim, noting that the RAF’s probe-and-drogue refuelling system is incompatible with Israeli aircraft. The episode is the latest in a series of direct actions by the group against U.K. facilities it says are linked to Israel’s campaign in the Palestinian territory.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned an act of vandalism at RAF Brize Norton, describing the incident as “disgraceful.” In a statement, Starmer said Britain’s armed forces “represent the very best of Britain” and that it is the country’s responsibility to support those who defend it.

The Jordanian Armed Forces reported that the Royal Jordanian Air Force and air defense systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones that entered Jordanian airspace on the morning of June 13, 2025. The military confirmed that the interceptions were conducted by both fighter jets and air defense units. The Jordanian forces remain at a high level of readiness to protect the airspace of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Some reports indicated that the intercepted projectiles were heading toward Israel. The incident was confirmed by various official and regional news sources, emphasizing Jordan's commitment to maintaining the security of its skies.

Britain has redeployed Royal Air Force combat jets and other military aircraft to the Middle East, reinforcing bases such as RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after Tehran warned that UK installations could be targeted if London supports Israel in its confrontation with Iran. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said the government is "not ruling anything out" on offering direct military assistance to Israel, though officials emphasised the current deployment is primarily intended to protect British personnel and assets. Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved the move following a fresh round of Iranian missile strikes on Israel and explicit threats against UK and allied facilities in the region. The decision mirrors steps by the United States, which has repositioned air-defence systems to the area. The Ministry of Defence has not disclosed the number or type of aircraft involved and continues to review contingency plans, including possible troop reinforcements, should the Israel-Iran conflict broaden.

The Jordanian army has deployed its air force to conduct intensive patrols and aerial sorties along the country's border areas. These operations aim to monitor Jordanian airspace closely and detect any attempts by any party to violate it. The military source emphasized the continuous efforts to safeguard the nation's airspace through these heightened surveillance activities.

The United Kingdom is reconsidering its stance on tactical nuclear weapons following the publication of a new Strategic Defence Review. Historically, the Royal Air Force (RAF) possessed non-strategic nuclear weapons during the Cold War and for some time afterward. The recent review, released in June 2025, suggests the possibility of the RAF and Britain returning to a tactical nuclear weapons capability after a 27-year hiatus. While some analysts highlight the advantages of reintroducing such weapons, including potential options like Lockheed Martin's PrSM missile with a 1,000-kilometer range as a modern alternative to Cold War-era systems like the Lance MGM-52 missile, senior officials involved in the review have downplayed the likelihood of acquiring air-launched tactical nuclear weapons. This comes despite speculation about the UK potentially purchasing F-35A aircraft, which could enable such a capability. The debate also touches on the UK's participation in NATO nuclear sharing arrangements and the feasibility of maintaining a sovereign non-strategic nuclear arsenal.

The U.S. Air Force has canceled its E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft procurement program due to delays and cost overruns. Instead, the Navy's smaller E-2D Hawkeye, which can operate from austere forward bases unlike the E-7, will be used as an interim solution. The E-7's first test flight had been postponed to 2027 before the cancellation. This decision raises questions about the impact on allied nations such as the United Kingdom, which had plans to integrate the E-7 into the Royal Air Force. Some analysts have suggested alternative systems like SAAB's GlobalEye might be more suitable. Separately, the U.S. Navy is acquiring E-130J aircraft to replace its aging 707-based E-6B Mercury nuclear command and control planes, though a watchdog report has questioned the choice of the C-130 platform for this role.

The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows display team is facing a shortage of jets, with reports indicating the number of operational aircraft could be halved within three years. The situation has forced the RAF to cannibalize older planes for parts to maintain the fleet. Despite these claims, the RAF has responded by disputing the characterization of the situation as a crisis. The shortage highlights challenges in maintaining the iconic Cold War-era fighter jets that the Red Arrows rely on for their aerial displays.

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) board has rescinded its earlier decision to place CEO Collins Letsoalo on special leave and has formally suspended him with full pay due to allegations of insubordination. The suspension follows an urgent board meeting and has replaced the previous arrangement that caused confusion among the Transport Portfolio Committee and the public. Songezo Zibi, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), stated that the suspension distracts from broader governance issues within the RAF board, including unresolved concerns about the fund's operations. The inquiry into Letsoalo's conduct is ongoing. Separately, the Police Committee has recommended the suspension of the director and CFO of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).

Wyatt Hendrickson, the 2025 Hodge Trophy winner, NCAA champion, and Final X participant, has signed with Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAF Wrestling). RAF Wrestling is a freestyle wrestling promotion founded by professional wrestling legends Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. Hendrickson gained attention for his victory over Olympic champion Gable Steveson. This signing marks a notable addition to RAF Wrestling's roster as it continues to build its presence in the freestyle wrestling scene.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the current Chief of the Royal Air Force (RAF), is set to become the next Chief of the Defence Staff, the highest uniformed position in the British Armed Forces. He will be the first RAF officer to hold this role in eight years and notably the first RAF chief who is not a military pilot. Knighton is widely regarded across UK defence circles. Meanwhile, in the United States, Major General Tudor has been appointed as the new commander of US Special Operations Command Africa (AFRICOM), with a focus on enhancing partner operational independence and maintaining a ready force to counter terrorism and defend US interests.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has acknowledged that Britain is at the center of a proxy war in Gaza, with Israel fighting on behalf of Western powers. Both the current Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the previous Conservative administration led by Rishi Sunak have consistently supported Israel, including supplying arms and facilitating military operations. The UK has used the Royal Air Force base Akrotiri in Cyprus for surveillance flights to assist Israel in targeting Gaza. This involvement implicates the British governments in the high Palestinian civilian death toll. The proxy war in Gaza is linked to broader Western strategic interests in the Middle East, similar to the conflict in Ukraine. Labour MPs, led by Jeremy Corbyn, are pushing for a public inquiry into the UK's role in Israeli military actions in Gaza, arguing that Israel has not acted alone in committing war crimes against Palestinians. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over Western foreign policy and military engagement in the region.