No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group

No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group
Unit name	No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group
Dates	1 April 2006 – present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	UK
Type	Expeditionary Air Group
Role	Expeditionary command and control
Command structure	No. 1 Group
Garrison	RAF Waddington
Garrison label	Headquarters
Battles	Operation Herrick, Operation Shader

No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group is a deployable Royal Air Force headquarters formation responsible for commanding expeditionary air power. Established in the post-Cold War era to meet the demands of modern expeditionary warfare, it provides the command framework for RAF units deployed on overseas operations. The group has been a key component of United Kingdom air operations in conflicts such as the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

History

The unit was formed on 1 April 2006, evolving from the earlier No. 83 Group which had a distinguished history dating back to the Second World War. Its creation was part of a wider restructuring of the RAF's command architecture, outlined in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010, to enhance rapid deployment capabilities. It initially focused on supporting Operation Telic in Iraq before assuming a central role in Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. Throughout the 2010s, its mandate expanded to encompass Operation Shader, the UK's contribution to the international coalition against ISIL.

Role and operations

The primary role is to serve as a tailored, deployable air component headquarters, planning and executing air operations in support of UK joint forces and NATO allies. It exercises operational command over assigned RAF flying squadrons, RAF Regiment force protection elements, and support enablers in theatre. Key operational deployments have included providing the Combined Air Operations Centre framework at Kandahar Airfield and leading the UK Air Component within the Counter-ISIL campaign from bases in Cyprus and the Middle East. The group works closely with Permanent Joint Headquarters and allies like the United States Air Forces Central.

Structure and units

As an expeditionary formation, it does not have permanently assigned units but draws personnel and assets from across the RAF as required for specific missions. Its core is a cadre of specialist staff from branches such as Operations, Intelligence, and Logistics. For deployments, it typically commands a mix of frontline squadrons, such as those operating the Eurofighter Typhoon, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, and Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft. It also integrates units from the RAF Force Protection Force and No. 90 Signals Unit for base security and communications.

Aircraft operated

While not a flying unit itself, it has exercised operational control over numerous aircraft types during deployments. These have historically included the Panavia Tornado GR4 for ground attack, the BAE Hawk for training and tactical support, and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules for transport. More recently, its commanded assets have featured the Eurofighter Typhoon for air defence and strike, the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper for ISTAR and strike, and the Voyager for air-to-air refuelling.

Commanding officers

Command is held by an Air Vice-Marshal or senior Air Commodore. Notable past commanders include Air Vice-Marshal Stuart Atha, who later served as Deputy Commander (Operations) of RAF Air Command, and Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth, who subsequently commanded No. 1 Group. The commander is supported by a staff headed by a Group Captain as Chief of Staff, and the post has often been a stepping stone to senior roles within the Ministry of Defence.

Bases

Its permanent headquarters is located at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, a major centre for ISTAR and command and control capabilities. Key operational bases from which it has conducted deployments include RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which serves as a primary expeditionary hub for operations in the Middle East, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Historically, it has also operated from Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

Category:Royal Air Force groups Category:Expeditionary units and formations of the United Kingdom Category:Military units and formations established in 2006