The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air force branch of the British Armed Forces. The RAF was formed on 1 April 1918 and has since taken a significant role in British military history since then, playing a large part in World War II and in conflicts such as the recent war in Iraq. The RAF currently operates over 1000 aircraft and, as of 2007, has 40,300 regular personnel. Mission The RAF's mission is to support the objectives of the UK's Ministry of Defence , which are to "provide the capabilities needed: to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government?s foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security."Defence Analytical Services Agency [LINK: http://www.dasa.mod.uk/natstats/ukds/2005/glossary.html] The MOD Mission History Whilst the Briti