Sir Mike Wigston

Sir Mike Wigston
Name	Sir Mike Wigston
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Serviceyears	1986–2023
Rank	Air Chief Marshal
Commands	Chief of the Air Staff, No. 1 Group RAF, RAF Cottesmore, No. 12 Squadron RAF
Battles	Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Military intervention against ISIL
Awards	Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service

Sir Mike Wigston is a retired senior Royal Air Force officer who served as the Chief of the Air Staff, the professional head of the Royal Air Force, from 2019 to 2023. His career spanned over 35 years, encompassing significant operational command during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and leadership in key training and front-line roles. As the service chief, he oversaw major modernisation programmes including the introduction of the F-35B Lightning and the development of the Tempest future combat air system.

Early life and education

Michael John Wigston was born in Westminster, London, and attended the John Lyon School in Harrow. He pursued higher education at the University of Manchester, where he studied Aeronautical Engineering. His military training commenced at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, where he was commissioned as a pilot officer in 1986, marking the beginning of his long association with the Royal Air Force.

Military career

Wigston trained as a fast jet pilot, flying the Tornado GR1 and GR4 with No. 17 Squadron RAF. His early career included instructional posts at the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit at RAF Lossiemouth. He saw extensive operational service, flying combat missions during the Iraq War and over Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick. He commanded No. 12 Squadron RAF, a Tornado GR4 unit, and later served as Station Commander at RAF Cottesmore during the introduction of the Hawk T2 with No. 4 Flying Training School RAF. Senior staff appointments followed, including roles within the Ministry of Defence and as Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group RAF, responsible for the Royal Air Force's combat air power.

Chief of the Air Staff

Appointed 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 was defined by managing the integration of the F-35B into Royal Air Force and Royal Navy service aboard HMS *Queen Elizabeth*, and advocating for the UK Future Combat Air System project, known as Tempest. He also oversaw the retirement of legacy platforms like the Tornado GR4 and initiated the transition to new systems such as the E-7 Wedgetail and Protector RG1. His strategic focus included enhancing space and cyber capabilities within the newly formed UK Space Command and emphasising diversity and inclusion across the service.

Later career and appointments

Following his retirement from the Royal Air Force in June 2023, Wigston has taken on several civilian roles. He was appointed as the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland in 2024, succeeding Dr. Sarah Furness. He also serves as the President of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and holds the position of Chairman of the Council of the Air League. These appointments continue his commitment to supporting the Royal Air Force community and promoting aviation interests within the United Kingdom.

Personal life

Mike Wigston is married to Angie Wigston, a former Royal Air Force nursing officer, and they have two children. His personal interests include aviation history, sports, and outdoor activities. The family has been based at various Royal Air Force stations throughout his career, including significant postings at RAF Cottesmore and in the Staffordshire area.

Honours and awards

Wigston was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 and was subsequently knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2019 Birthday Honours. He is also a recipient of the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service for his service in Afghanistan. He holds the NATO Meritorious Service Medal and the General Service Medal with clasps for Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2023, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by the Government of Japan for strengthening defence relations between the two nations.

Category:1968 births 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:Alumni of the University of Manchester Category:People educated at the John Lyon School