Mike Wigston

Mike Wigston. Air Chief Marshal Michael Wigston is a senior officer of the Royal Air Force, serving as the Chief of the Air Staff, the professional head of the service, since July 2019. His career has spanned front-line flying, including combat operations over Iraq and Afghanistan, and high-level command and staff appointments within the Ministry of Defence and NATO. Wigston has been a prominent advocate for modernizing the Royal Air Force and integrating new technologies like the F-35 Lightning II and Protector RG1.

Early life and education

Born in Birmingham on 9 December 1968, Wigston was educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham, an independent day school. He entered the Royal Air Force in 1986, beginning his initial officer training at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. He subsequently read for a degree in politics and economics, graduating from the University of Bristol. His academic and military training provided the foundation for a career that would later involve significant policy and strategic planning roles within the British Armed Forces.

Military career

Wigston trained as a fast jet pilot, flying the Tornado GR1 and later the Harrier II with No. 1 Squadron RAF. He saw extensive operational service, including numerous deployments enforcing the no-fly zones over Iraq following the Gulf War and combat missions during the Iraq War. He commanded No. 12 Squadron RAF, a Tornado GR4 unit, on operations in Afghanistan. His staff posts have included roles in the Permanent Joint Headquarters and as the Military Assistant to the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff. He later commanded RAF College Cranwell and served as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff before taking command of No. 1 Group RAF, responsible for the RAF’s combat air forces.

Chief of the Air Staff

Appointed as the Chief of the Air Staff in July 2019, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Wigston became a member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. His tenure has been defined by implementing the modernization agenda set out in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy and the subsequent Defence Command Paper. Key priorities have included the stand-up of the UK’s F-35 Lightning II force, the introduction of the E-7 Wedgetail and Protector RG1, and the development of future combat air systems through the Global Combat Air Programme partnership with Italy and Japan. He has also been a vocal proponent of expanding diversity and inclusion within the Royal Air Force.

Personal life

Mike Wigston is married and has two children. His interests include sports aviation, and he is a qualified glider pilot. He maintains a strong connection to the Midlands region of his upbringing.

Honours and awards

Wigston was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2013 Birthday Honours for his service in Afghanistan. He was advanced to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2020 Birthday Honours upon his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff. His other decorations include the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service, the General Service Medal with rosette, and the NATO Medal for service in the Balkans.

Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:Royal Air Force air chief marshals Category:Knights Commander of the Order of the Bath Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Category:People educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham Category:Alumni of the University of Bristol