Air Force Doctrine Publication

Air Force Doctrine Publication
Name	Air Force Doctrine Publication
Jurisdiction	United Kingdom
Parent agency	Royal Air Force

Air Force Doctrine Publication is the principal doctrinal manual used by the Royal Air Force to codify principles, concepts, and guidance for air and space power employment. It frames the RAF’s approach to operations, capability development, and professional education across commands such as Air Command (Royal Air Force), linking strategic direction from institutions like the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) and doctrine produced by allied bodies such as the United States Air Force and North Atlantic Treaty Organization agencies. The publication informs doctrine for formations including No. 1 Group RAF, No. 11 Group RAF, and commands engaged in expeditionary operations and homeland defense.

Overview

The publication synthesizes ideas from strategic authorities like the Chief of the Air Staff and integrates lessons from campaigns including the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and operations over Libya (2011) and Kosovo War. It defines concepts alongside operational art developed in centers such as the Joint Forces Command (United Kingdom), RAF College Cranwell, and the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Doctrine aligns with national strategy as set by the National Security Council (United Kingdom), and dovetails with capability plans endorsed by the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), the UK Strategic Command, and allied doctrine from entities like the United States European Command and NATO Allied Command Transformation.

Historical Development

Origins trace to interwar discussions involving figures like Hugh Trenchard and Arthur Harris, 1st Baron Harris, and to publications influenced by theorists such as Douhet, Giulio Douhet, William “Billy” Mitchell and John Warden. Evolution accelerated after World War II with Cold War imperatives informed by events including the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War. Post-Cold War revisions responded to crises examined in inquiries like the Balkans (1990s) operations and the lessons of Operation GRANBY and Operation TELIC. Contemporary updates reflect experiences from Operation HERRICK, Operation SHADER, and the RAF’s role in multinational efforts coordinated with organizations such as United Nations missions and European Union security arrangements.

Structure and Content

Chapters cover core topics: strategic context, air and space power fundamentals, command and control arrangements exemplified by Air Operations Centre practices, force employment illustrated by units such as No. 3 Group RAF and platforms including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, Panavia Tornado, Boeing P-8 Poseidon and MQ-9 Reaper. It addresses support functions tied to logistics units like RAF Mildenhall and RAF Brize Norton, intelligence sourced via agencies like the Government Communications Headquarters and Defence Intelligence (United Kingdom), and legal frameworks anchored to statutes such as the Armed Forces Act 2006. Doctrine references operational concepts from allied manuals like Air Force Doctrine Document 1 (USAF) and NATO doctrine documents such as Allied Joint Doctrine for the Conduct of Operations.

Development and Approval Process

Drafting draws on inputs from command headquarters including RAF Air Command, staff colleges such as Joint Services Command and Staff College, and research from establishments like the Royal United Services Institute and King’s College London defence studies. Reviews are coordinated with ministers at the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) and senior officers including the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff. Consultation involves partners such as the United States Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army, NATO Allied Air Command, and industry stakeholders including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce Holdings, and Airbus Defence and Space for capability implications. Amendments follow formal endorsement processes consistent with national policy overseen by committees like the Defence Council of the United Kingdom.

Implementation and Training

Implementation occurs through professional military education at institutions including RAF College Cranwell, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Royal Air Force College, and staff courses run by the Joint Services Command and Staff College. Wargaming and exercises such as Exercise Red Flag-style training, Operation TRENT-type simulations, and multinational exercises orchestrated by NATO Allied Command Transformation translate doctrine into practice. Units apply doctrine during deployments from bases like RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby, integrating platforms such as C-17 Globemaster III and Chinook HC4/6 and working with organizations including Military Aviation Authority and Defence Infrastructure Organisation for safety and basing considerations.

International and Joint Integration

The publication aligns RAF practice with multinational frameworks including NATO, European Defence Agency, and bilateral arrangements with the United States Department of Defense and services such as the United States Air Force. It addresses interoperability standards (linked to bodies like the Interoperability Board) and tactical integration with coalition partners operating platforms like the Dassault Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30. Joint doctrine linkages include coordination with the Royal Navy carrier strike doctrines and British Army manoeuvre doctrine, while multinational training pipelines involve establishments like Naval War College (United States), École de Guerre, and NATO Defence College. The publication therefore functions as a bridge between national policy set by the Cabinet Office (United Kingdom) and operational practice in theatres alongside partners such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United States.

Category:Royal Air Force doctrine