Northern Ireland Universities Air Squadron

Northern Ireland Universities Air Squadron NIUAS offers a diverse range of experiences to students from northern Ireland who are considering a career within the services and as potential leaders.

University

EX MALTA DEFENCE 🇲🇹 NIUAS had the excellent opportunity to travel to Malta for Ex Malta Defence 2026, an educational vis...
31/05/2026

EX MALTA DEFENCE 🇲🇹

NIUAS had the excellent opportunity to travel to Malta for Ex Malta Defence 2026, an educational visit focused on the island’s vital role during the Second World War.

Throughout the week, students visited significant historical sites including the Lascaris War Rooms, Malta National War Museum, Malta Aviation Museum and World War II Air Raid Shelters, gaining a deeper understanding of Malta’s strategic importance during the Second World War and the RAF’s contribution to its defence.

Students also researched, prepared and delivered stands at key locations across Malta, developing their historical knowledge and presentation skills. Daily discussions and debriefs encouraged reflection on the lessons of the past and their relevance today.

Alongside the academic programme, students explored historic towns such as Valletta and Mdina while strengthening friendships across the squadron.

An insightful week of learning, leadership and military history in one of the most important locations of the Second World War. 🇲🇹✈️

EX OLIVE TORCH 🗺️At the end of March, one NIUAS member had the opportunity to attend the International Forum on Peace, S...
14/05/2026

EX OLIVE TORCH 🗺️

At the end of March, one NIUAS member had the opportunity to attend the International Forum on Peace, Security and Prosperity in Palermo, Sicily. The event brought together delegations from military academies around the world, alongside representatives from all 15 UAS’.

Throughout the week, attendees explored topics surrounding leadership, peacebuilding and geopolitics, whilst also learning more about different cultures and the wider international environment.

For our APO, the experience gave valuable insight into how their degree can support future ambitions and helped build confidence towards future applications, alongside meeting people from a wide range of countries and backgrounds.

An incredibly insightful and rewarding week overall.

EX MOURNES AT 2026 ⛰️A week spent kayaking, climbing, trekking and taking on a range of adventurous training activities ...
10/05/2026

EX MOURNES AT 2026 ⛰️

A week spent kayaking, climbing, trekking and taking on a range of adventurous training activities whilst developing new skills, confidence and a strong understanding of safety and teamwork outdoors.

From long days of activities to evenings around the campfire sharing stories and laughs, the week was full of great memories and even better company.

A very good week away with even better people. 🔥

Western Front 🇫🇷🇧🇪NIUAS had the amazing opportunity to visit the Western Front and stand on the ground where history was...
01/03/2026

Western Front 🇫🇷🇧🇪

NIUAS had the amazing opportunity to visit the Western Front and stand on the ground where history was lived, not just studied. From Ypres to the Somme, each site deepened the squadron’s understanding of sacrifice, leadership and resilience. Delivering stands at the memorials themselves brought real meaning and responsibility to their learning. The scale of loss, the stories behind the names, and the lessons in courage will remain with them long after the journey home.

Lest we forget.

THALES VISIT ✈️NIUAS students visited Thales to gain an insight into the organisation’s current projects and a deeper un...
05/02/2026

THALES VISIT ✈️

NIUAS students visited Thales to gain an insight into the organisation’s current projects and a deeper understanding of how they are developed and delivered within a secure operational environment.

Through discussions with staff, students explored how multidisciplinary teams work together to turn complex concepts into real-world capability, while learning more about career pathways and the role innovation plays in modern defence and technology.

EX ALPINE EDGE 🇫🇷⛷️NIUAS students travelled to the French Alps this past month to complete their SF1 and SF2 skiing qual...
01/02/2026

EX ALPINE EDGE 🇫🇷⛷️
NIUAS students travelled to the French Alps this past month to complete their SF1 and SF2 skiing qualifications. From staying in beautiful chalets alongside other UAS squadrons to taking on the slopes, the week saw everyone progress at their own pace.

For some, it was a first day on skis. For others, it meant touring and guiding down black runs. With plenty of laughter, new skills learned, and confidence built day by day, students not only developed as skiers but also strengthened connections across the UAS community.

An unforgettable experience on and off the slopes ❄️⛷️

Part Two | Ex Over Yonder ✈️Following on from our time with the RAF Red Arrows, part two of Ex Over Yonder allowed NIUAS...
26/12/2025

Part Two | Ex Over Yonder ✈️

Following on from our time with the RAF Red Arrows, part two of Ex Over Yonder allowed NIUAS students to continue building their understanding of RAF operations during a visit to RAF Leeming. We spent time with 11 Squadron, learning how the Hawk aircraft fits into the fast jet training pipeline and the progression required to reach front line roles.

Alongside this, we gained insight into air traffic operations and took part in interactive sessions led by Yorkshire UAS, before ending the day with a rugby match against YUAS that emphasised teamwork and resilience beyond the classroom.

A visit to a wartime museum provided valuable historical context and highlighted the values that continue to shape the RAF today. The exercise concluded with time spent with LUAS, reflecting on the experience before travelling home by ferry.

Ex Over Yonder was more than an educational opportunity. It was a chance to challenge ourselves, build confidence, see who we want to become. An experience that will stay with us well beyond the journey home.

🙌✈️

Part One | Ex Over Yonder ✈️Part one of Ex Over Yonder gave NIUAS students an immersive introduction to Royal Air Force ...
26/12/2025

Part One | Ex Over Yonder ✈️

Part one of Ex Over Yonder gave NIUAS students an immersive introduction to Royal Air Force operations and set the foundation for the rest of the exercise. Over several days, we travelled across the UK, visiting RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell and RAF Coningsby, gaining insight into how different stations contribute to air power.

These photos primarily capture our time with the RAF Red Arrows, where we learned about their role, training standards and the importance of precision, discipline and teamwork at the highest level. Alongside this, we visited 51 Squadron to learn about intelligence and surveillance operations, 31 Squadron to explore the Protector platform and its role in modern air operations, and 3 and 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby to gain insight into Typhoon fast jet operations and the wider fast jet force.

We also explored the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, learning about its historical significance and the role it plays in preserving RAF heritage, as well as having the opportunity to look through a wide range of aircraft and gain a better understanding of their roles, capabilities and day to day use.

An inspiring and highly educational start to Ex Over Yonder that provided valuable insight into how the RAF operates as a cohesive force and set the tone for what is still to come.

🙌✈️

11/12/2025

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from NIUAS🎄🎅🏼
As 2022 comes to an end we want to share our 2022 experience with you in this short video, and what a blast it was! We see short snippets of activities such as Skiing, Camping, Caving, Helicopter rides, Flying in our very own tutor, Kayaking, Canoeing, Coasteering, Rock climbing, Hiking, Mountain biking, Team sports, Plane and Helicopter tours and an insider to our socials.
I wanted to pass on my warmest thanks to all our staff and students, your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Everyone has played a crucial role within the team, and you have worked together as a solid unit, supporting each other. Thank you for exceeding all expectations and making this experience absolutely amazing. I look forward to the year 2023, and thank you for the amazing experience of 2022.

Do you want to do more during your time at uni? Have an intrest in military life? Want to improve leadership skills that will help you in civilian and military roles? Are you interested in or want to get into activity training like hiking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and more. Do you want to learn to fly?
Click the link in our bio to find out more information, message us here with any question or email [email protected] with your application form






11/12/2025

Arctic circle trail 🥾🏕️🌳












Address

NIUAS, Aldergrove Flying Station, Killead Road, Crumlin, Co
Belfast
BT294EL

Telephone

+447824607766

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