Air Command (RAF)

Air Command (RAF). It is the single, unified command responsible for generating and operating the combat-ready air and space forces of the Royal Air Force. Formed in 2007 as part of a major restructuring of the British Armed Forces, it brought all frontline operational commands under one headquarters. Based at RAF High Wycombe, it exercises command over the RAF's global deployments, from quick reaction alert duties to overseas expeditionary operations.

History

The creation of Air Command was the culmination of a strategic review following the end of the Cold War and lessons learned from operations such as the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). It was established on 1 April 2007, merging the former Strike Command and Personnel and Training Command. This move, part of the wider Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010, aimed to streamline command structures, reduce overheads, and improve joint operational effectiveness with the British Army and Royal Navy. Key historical milestones under its purview include the RAF's pivotal role in the 2011 military intervention in Libya, the sustained air campaign against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Operation Shader, and the provision of NATO air policing in the Baltic states and Iceland.

Organisation

Air Command is organised functionally to deliver combat air power across all domains. Its structure is centred on several subordinate groups, each with a specialised role. The No. 1 Group (RAF) is responsible for all combat and combat support aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II. The No. 2 Group (RAF) oversees air mobility, air-to-air refuelling, and intelligence surveillance assets such as the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail and RC-135W Rivet Joint. Support functions are managed by No. 22 Group (RAF), which handles training, and No. 11 Group (RAF), which is focused on air operations, space, and cyber. This group-based system ensures clear lines of authority from the headquarters to the frontline stations like RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Brize Norton.

Current structure

As of the most recent defence reforms, Air Command directly controls the operational groups and maintains close links with Joint Forces Command. No. 1 Group commands the Quick Reaction Alert force from stations such as RAF Coningsby and oversees the UK Space Command. No. 2 Group commands the strategic and tactical airlift fleet, including the A400M Atlas and C-17 Globemaster, and the RAF Air Cadets. No. 11 Group, reformed in 2018, integrates control of the UK Air and Space Operations Centre and the RAF Falcons parachute display team. Key enabling formations include the RAF Police and the RAF Medical Services.

Commanders-in-Chief

The professional head of Air Command holds the title Commander-in-Chief, a post held by a senior Air Chief Marshal. The inaugural commander was Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, former Chief of the Air Staff. He was succeeded by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton in 2009, who later also served as Chief of the Air Staff. Subsequent commanders have included Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston. The current commander is Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, who assumed the role in 2023.

Role and responsibilities

The primary role of Air Command is to generate and command the RAF's operational output for national and coalition defence. This encompasses maintaining the Continuous At Sea Deterrent support, executing UK and NATO air defence through the Quick Reaction Alert, and conducting global power projection. Key responsibilities include planning and executing air operations in conjunction with United States Air Force and other allied forces, delivering strategic airbridge services via the Air Mobility Force, and developing multi-domain integration with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm and the British Army's Army Air Corps. It also holds the duty to develop the RAF's future capabilities in the space and cyber domains.

Category:Royal Air Force commands and groups Category:Military units and formations established in 2007 Category:2007 establishments in the United Kingdom