ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Quick Reaction Alert (QRA)

The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) is a state of readiness and modus operandi of air defense maintained at all hours of the day by NATO air forces, primarily involving the Royal Air Force (RAF). This readiness system involves a network of pilots, engineers, and aircraft that are on call to respond quickly to potential threats.

In the United Kingdom, QRA pilots and mechanics are alert 24 hours a day, fully equipped in the alert room, which is next to the hangars. The pilots are in QRA posture approximately once or twice a month, each providing a quarter of 24 hours, while the mechanics are in QRA service three or four times a year for a period of seven days. Eight to twelve Typhoon aircraft are in service, each with two short-range air-to-air missiles (ASRAAM) and four medium-range air-to-air missiles (AIM-120 AMRAAM). They will soon take the Meteor missile.

A tanker aircraft, an A330 MRTT refuelling aircraft, is also still ready, with a crew available 24 hours a day, based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. This aircraft plays a crucial role in providing air-to-air refueling support to QRA Typhoon aircraft on short notice.

The National Air Traffic Services manage civilian aircraft in the London Area Control Centre and the London Terminal Control Centre (previously located at RAF West Drayton), covering the London Flight Information Region, as well as the Prestwick control centre, which covers the Scottish Flight Information Region. The Royal Air Force has a team in Swanwick, where they work closely with the National Air Traffic Services to manage air traffic.

The UK's air surveillance and control system is controlled by the RAF's Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS), which monitors military aircraft from Norway and reports to the Norwegian authorities. This system plays a critical role in providing situational awareness and responding quickly to potential threats.

In addition to the Typhoon aircraft, other NATO countries also maintain QRA systems, although not necessarily full-time. Switzerland and Austria are examples of non-NATO countries that have implemented QRA readiness procedures.