8 Squadron is the Royal Air Force's specialist Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) unit, historically serving as the "eyes and ears" of the UK's air defence. Formed in 1915 as part of the Royal Flying Corps, the squadron has a deep connection to the Middle East, having spent decades based in Aden—a heritage preserved in its badge, which features a Sheathed Arabian Dagger (Jambiya). The squadron is best known for its long service flying the E-3D Sentry (AWACS) with its distinctive rotating radar dome, which it operated for 30 years from RAF Waddington until the aircraft's retirement in 2021. Currently, the squadron is based at RAF Lossiemouth and is transitioning to the advanced Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which will provide next-generation air battle management capabilities. Its motto is Uspiam et passim ("Everywhere unbounded").
