No. 22 Group RAF

No. 22 Group RAF
Unit name	No. 22 Group RAF
Dates	1938–present (with reorganisations)
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Type	Group
Role	Training and personnel development
Garrison	RAF Cranwell

No. 22 Group RAF is a group-level formation of the Royal Air Force responsible for training, education, and personnel development within the United Kingdom's air arm. It oversees a network of training units, technical schools, and specialist wings that provide instruction for aircrew, engineers, and support trades supporting operations linked to the Ministry of Defence, Joint Forces Command, and allied partners. The group operates alongside other RAF groups such as No. 1 Group RAF, No. 2 Group RAF, and No. 11 Group RAF to sustain operational capability for deployments including those to the Falkland Islands, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

History

Formed before World War II amid expansion of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and regular units, the group experienced multiple disbandments and re-formations influenced by interwar reorganisations, the Battle of Britain, and postwar defence reviews such as the Options for Change review. During the Cold War, the group adapted to NATO commitments, supporting training relevant to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and coordinating with formations like RAF Germany and the British Army of the Rhine. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reforms linked to the Strategic Defence Review (1998) and subsequent defence white papers reshaped its remit toward centralized technical training and professional military education alongside institutions such as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

Role and Responsibilities

The group is charged with delivery of initial and advanced instruction for pilot training pipelines associated with platforms including the Hawk (trainer aircraft), interaction with aircrew conversion units that feed into types such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, and support for maintenance training for types like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Airbus A400M Atlas. It manages specialist trade training for engineers tied to manufacturers and contractors such as Rolls-Royce plc, Babcock International, and Leonardo S.p.A. and liaises with professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for non-technical courses. The group's responsibilities extend to training doctrine development influenced by doctrines such as Air Power concepts and interoperability standards established by NATO Standardization Office.

Organisation and Structure

Headquartered at RAF Cranwell, the group comprises training schools, wings, and squadrons reporting to a group headquarters commander who coordinates with higher headquarters at Air Command (United Kingdom). Subordinate organisations include the Central Flying School, specialist engineering colleges, and RAF trade training schools that interface with the Defence Equipment and Support organisation. The organisational structure balances shared training delivery across facility sites including RAF Cosford, RAF Halton, and joint establishments such as MOD St Athan and collaborates with civilian academic partners like the University of Birmingham and Cranfield University.

Units and Stations

Units under the group's purview have historically included flying training squadrons, the Aeronautical Engineering Training School, and the Recruit Training Squadron; permanent stations associated with the group include RAF Cranwell, RAF Cosford, RAF Halton, and training detachments at locations such as MOD St Athan, RAF Valley, and overseas ranges used during exercises with the United States Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force. The group also exercises oversight of expeditionary training units that support deployments to areas including the Gulf War (1990–1991), Kosovo War, and peacekeeping missions coordinated with the United Nations.

Equipment and Training Programmes

Training platforms managed or coordinated by the group range from basic training aircraft such as the Großflugzeug-era types to contemporary types including the Beechcraft Texan T6, the BAE Systems Hawk, and synthetic training systems integrating hardware-in-the-loop and simulators from providers like CAE Inc.. Engineering programmes deliver instruction on jet engines from manufacturers including Rolls-Royce and airframe maintenance for types including the Voyager (aircraft), C-130 Hercules, and A400M Atlas. The group operates central courses in leadership and staff development aligned with the Defence Academy curricula and exchanges with allied institutions such as the United States Air Force Air University.

Notable Operations and Deployments

Elements trained or certified by the group have directly supported operations such as the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and sustained operations in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), providing aircrew, engineers, and technicians to front-line squadrons including those operating Panavia Tornado ADV, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The group's training outputs have underpinned RAF contributions to multinational efforts such as Operation Telic, Operation Herrick, and NATO air policing missions over the Baltic states.

Insignia and Traditions

The group's insignia and ceremonial traditions reflect RAF heraldry and customs seen across formations with ties to institutions like the College of Air Warfare and the Central Flying School; insignia elements reference aircrew training lineage and engineering excellence celebrated in events at RAF Cranwell and commemorated in memorials such as those for the Royal Air Force Regiment and historic squadrons. Annual traditions include passing-out parades, awards ceremonies connected to honours such as the Order of the British Empire, and exchange visits with allied academies including the École de l'air and the United States Air Force Academy.

Category:Royal Air Force groups