No. 13 Squadron (XIII Squadron) is a historic Royal Air Force unit currently stationed at RAF Waddington, where it serves as a specialized Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) squadron operating the MQ-9A Reaper. Established in 1915 as part of the Royal Flying Corps, the squadron has a long-standing tradition in reconnaissance and army co-operation, a role enshrined in its motto Adjuvamus tuendo ("We assist by watching"). Over its distinguished service history, the squadron has flown a variety of aircraft, including the Westland Lysander during World War II and the English Electric Canberra during the Cold War. Before reforming as the RAF's first Reaper unit in 2012, it famously operated the Panavia Tornado GR1A and GR4, earning a reputation as effective "Scud Hunters" during the 1991 Gulf War. Today, it delivers critical real-time intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition support to UK and coalition forces worldwide.
