No. 2 Group (Air Combat)

No. 2 Group (Air Combat) is a high-readiness operational formation within the Royal Air Force, responsible for the United Kingdom's combat air power. Re-established in 2023 as part of a major restructuring of RAF Air Command, it consolidates the nation's most advanced fighter and offensive support assets. The group is tasked with delivering air defence, offensive counter-air, and expeditionary air operations in support of NATO and national objectives. Its creation marked a return to a historic group number last used by the RAF Bomber Command's wartime light bomber force.

History

The formation of No. 2 Group (Air Combat) was announced as a cornerstone of the Future Force design outlined in the Defence Command Paper refresh of 2023. This reorganization aimed to streamline command and control, enhancing the Royal Air Force's ability to respond to global threats. The group's lineage can be traced to the original No. 2 Group RAF, which was highly active during the Second World War flying missions such as the Dambusters Raid and operations in support of the D-Day landings. Its re-establishment signifies a modern focus on integrating fifth-generation combat aircraft and preparing for future conflicts, learning from lessons observed during contemporary operations like those in Iraq and Syria.

Structure and organization

No. 2 Group (Air Combat) is headquartered at RAF High Wycombe, co-located with the Permanent Joint Headquarters. It exercises operational command over the RAF's frontline combat air units, which are organized into several wings and stations. Key subordinate formations include the Lightning Force, responsible for the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning fleet, and the Typhoon Force, which operates the Eurofighter Typhoon. These forces are based at stations such as RAF Marham, RAF Coningsby, and RAF Lossiemouth. The group works in close concert with other RAF formations like No. 1 Group (Air Combat Support) and No. 11 Group (Air Defence), as well as with allied air forces through structures like the Combined Air Operations Centre at Uxbridge.

Aircraft and equipment

The group operates the most advanced combat aircraft in the British inventory. Its primary assets are the stealthy, fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning, capable of short take-off and vertical landing, and the multi-role Eurofighter Typhoon. These aircraft are equipped with sophisticated weaponry including the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the Raytheon Paveway IV precision-guided bomb, and the MBDA Storm Shadow cruise missile. Support is provided by a fleet of Voyager tanker aircraft for air-to-air refuelling and various training units flying the BAE Systems Hawk T2. The group is central to the Global Combat Air Programme, a partnership with Italy and Japan to develop a next-generation fighter.

Operations and deployments

No. 2 Group (Air Combat) maintains a constant alert for the Quick Reaction Alert mission, defending UK airspace from unidentified incursions, a role frequently conducted from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby. It routinely deploys on expeditionary operations, such as the Operation Shader campaign against ISIL, where Typhoons conducted precision strikes. The group's F-35Bs have deployed on carrier strike missions with the HMS *Queen Elizabeth* as part of CSG21. It also participates in major multinational exercises like Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base and Exercise Cobra Warrior in the United Kingdom, honing interoperability with allies such as the United States Air Force and the German Air Force.

Commanders and notable personnel

The group is commanded by an Air Vice-Marshal. Its first commander was Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, who previously served as the UK's Air Component Commander in the Middle East. Leadership typically includes senior officers with extensive experience in fast-jet operations, command of major stations like RAF Marham, and staff roles within Ministry of Defence headquarters or Allied Air Command. Personnel across the group have been recognized with awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry in combat operations over theatres like Afghanistan and Libya.

Category:Royal Air Force groups Category:Military units and formations established in 2023