Soldiers, sailors and aircrew serving home and abroad have released a stunning gallery of photographs taken on missions across the globe.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the images provide a unique look back at the work of the UK Armed Forces around the world in 2021.’
According to a spokesperson, the stunning photos show the ambition and scale of the UK Armed Forces’ deployments around the globe. These include cold-weather training in the Arctic Circle as well as counterterrorism operations above the Mali mountains. Military photographers take images of the real world for UK soldiers, from the grime and dirt in war zones to the shining uniforms at parades.
‘Those who capture these images are all soldiers, sailors and aviators first and photographers second, deploying with their rifle as well as their camera.’
The family of this sailor received her after she returned from the Black Sea patrol aboard HMS Defender. HMS Queen Elizabeth’s maiden deployment to Pacific Rim was assisted by Defender.
Big Lizzie (back) met HMS Prince of Wales, her sister, in May 2021. These 65,000-tonne ships met for the first operational service at sea. Future plans call for one vessel to be ready and available to deploy at any time, in order to quickly respond to international events.
HMS Queen Elizabeth performs night replenishment at sea with RFA Tidespring, refuelling the huge aircraft carrier.
Big Lizzie deployed her F-35B Lightning Jets against ISIS targets, in Syria and Iraq, during her maiden aircraft carrier deployment
Elizabeth was joined by a multinational formation of ships, from left to right, HMS Defender, RFA Tidespring, RFA Fort Victoria, HNLMS Evertsen, JS Kirishima, HMNZS Te Kaha and USS Shiloh
A formation flight with specially-painted Chinook and Puma helicopters flew above southern England on November 25. Pictured front is the Puma from RAF Benson. The Chinook (pictured back) had served 40 years. Chinook is based in RAF Odiham (Hampshire).
After returning from Jordan, this RAF C-130J performs a nose-up dive into the flying circuit at RAF Akrotiri.
During their pre-season training, in Greece the RAF Red Arrows were practicing their display flying routine in a diamond formation. This photograph was taken by Corporal Adam Fletcher from Red 10’s rear seat. Squadron leader Adam Collins piloted the aircraft.
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured center inspecting an honour guard made up of 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland when she arrived in Balmoral at her summer residence
As Prince Philip’s remains were being brought to Windsor Castle’s West Steps of St George’s Chapel, military personnel including the Royal Marines Bearer Party were presented by them. The funeral was attended by more than 730 military personnel, including the 42 Royal Navy, the 96 Royal Marines and 507 Army personnel. A Land Rover hearse that he designed was used to transport the Duke of Edinburgh to the chapel.
Queens Life Guard and the Cenotaph For Remembrance, Sunday November 14 were photographed in parade. Over 700 soldiers participated in this commemoration. It also marked the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of Royal British Legion.
Military personnel were part of the evacuation of Kabul’s civilians following the fall of Taliban rule. This Sergeant was one of the service personnel who worked tirelessly to help evacuate British citizens and Afghans who were eligible for relocation.
Operations in Mali were also carried out by the UK Troops. The RAF Odiham flight sergeant manned a machinegun at the rear his Chinook, which was flying over the Hombori mountains in West Africa at sunset.
Paratroopers involved in this training mission engaged an advancing force of advancing vehicles, including tanks and armoured personnel carriers. During the Exercise on Salisbury Plain, the troops from the Parachute Regiment’s 2nd and 3rd Battalions used NLAW and Javelin anti-tank missiles as well as 81mm mortars and Grenade machine gun heavy and general purpose machines guns.
Royal Marine Commandos went through their cold weather training with 45 Commando in the arctic undergoing their COld Weather Survival Course including the need to plunge into icy water
The soldiers were part of British Army Pathfinders. They had been training for urban environment. They are members of the British Army’s Rapid Reaction Force which is capable of being deployed quickly
A medic from 84 Squadron, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus is participating in a staging medivac. The four-week exercise Lion Star involved a training mission in challenging temperatures.
To celebrate the birth of Prince Charles, members of King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery launched a 41-gun salute. All 41 shots were fired simultaneously by the six guns. London’s Green Park hosted the tribute.
During valuable desert training, the RAF AH64 Apache performed dust landings in Oman while stationed at RAFO Mulannah.
Pictured here is an Able Seaman securing HMS Prince of Wales’ lines during final preparations before the Ship leaves Portsmouth Dockyard to begin its first operational mission.