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| RAuxAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Royal Auxiliary Air Force |
| Dates | 1924–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Type | Reserve force |
| Role | Force generation, specialist support |
| Size | ~2,800 personnel |
| Garrison | RAF Northolt |
| Notable commanders | Lord Trenchard, Sir Hugh Trenchard, Sir John Slessor, Sir Arthur Harris |
| Anniversary | 10 March (formation) |
RAuxAF
The Royal Auxiliary Air Force is the volunteer reserve component associated with the Royal Air Force, formed in 1924 to provide trained personnel, squadrons and specialist capabilities augmenting regular forces. It has provided personnel and units for major events and conflicts including the Second World War, the Falklands War, and operations linked to Operation Herrick and Operation Telic. The force partners with statutory institutions such as Ministry of Defence elements, contributes to NATO commitments like Allied Command Operations, and supports national resilience alongside bodies including Civil Aviation Authority and Home Office responders.
The unit originated amid interwar reforms following the creation of the Royal Air Force after First World War demobilisation and the recommendations of figures such as Sir Hugh Trenchard and policy set by successive British Cabinetes. During the Second World War personnel served in campaigns from the Battle of Britain to the North African Campaign and the Italian Campaign, alongside formations such as Bomber Command, Fighter Command, and Coastal Command. Postwar restructuring mirrored broader defence reviews including the 1957 Defence White Paper and the Strategic Defence Review, leading to repeated reorganisations influenced by leaders like Sir Arthur Harris and planners at Ministry of Defence. The RAuxAF provided reservists for the Suez Crisis, the Korean War logistical efforts, and later for deployments connected to Gulf War, Kosovo War, the Iraq War, and operations in Afghanistan. Recent decades saw integration into joint frameworks alongside units such as the Royal Navy Reserve and the Army Reserve, and contributions to multinational exercises including Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Red Flag.
The organisation comprises wings, squadrons and specialist flights administratively aligned to commands such as No. 1 Group RAF, No. 2 Group RAF and the RAF Air Command. Squadrons hold titles linked to locations and heritage, working with bases like RAF Northolt, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Leeming, RAF Waddington, RAF Coningsby, and RAF Brize Norton. Headquarters elements coordinate with agencies including the Defence Equipment and Support organisation and the Permanent Joint Headquarters. Command relationships reflect links with senior RAF leadership such as Chief of the Air Staff and military boards including the Air Force Board.
Units deliver force-generation tasks across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance working with platforms like Sentinel R1 and sensor chains employed by Air Surveillance and Control System; force protection and security cooperating with RAF Regiment formations; air traffic control alongside Military Aviation Authority standards; and logistics supporting air mobility operations via Strategic Airlift Capability and assets from RAF Brize Norton. Specialist trades include cyber roles aligned with Joint Forces Command, medical personnel interoperating with NHS England and Defence Medical Services, legal advisers assisting Service Prosecuting Authority, and engineering cadres integrated with Royal Air Force Engineering.
Recruitment campaigns target civilians and professionals drawn from sectors such as Royal Colleges, legal professions tied to the Bar Council, and technical fields connected to institutions like Institute of Engineering and Technology. Initial training occurs at establishments including RAF Cranwell and MOD St Athan, with advanced training and conversion at units such as No. 6 Flying Training School and through partnerships with colleges like RAF Cosford. Reservists undergo continuous training cycles, participate in exercises with formations including No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group and multinational bodies such as NATO Allied Air Command, and receive professional development through links to bodies like Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Although primarily a personnel reserve, the force operates and supports aircraft and systems including types flown or serviced by RAF units: transport platforms like the C-130 Hercules, A400M Atlas, and Voyager KC2/KC3; ISTAR platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper and Sentinel R1 tasking; and combat aircraft maintained on behalf of squadrons operating the Eurofighter Typhoon and formerly the Panavia Tornado. Technical and ground equipment parallels NATO standards and interfaces with suppliers such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce plc, Leonardo S.p.A., and Lockheed Martin for sustainment and upgrades, and maintenance is coordinated via Defence Equipment and Support.
Reservists have mobilised for operations across theatres, embedding with units at RAF Akrotiri during eastern Mediterranean contingencies, supporting Operation Granby and Operation Telic air logistics, and providing specialist teams for air policing missions over the Baltic States alongside Polish Air Force and Estonian Air Force units. Personnel have contributed to humanitarian responses coordinated by UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat and international relief through United Nations and NATO mechanisms. Deployments include expeditionary support to Operation Shader taskings against ISIL and operational support to maritime patrols alongside United States Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Air Force partners.
Insignia and ceremonial practices draw from RAF heraldry and British service customs, with squadron badges approved by the College of Arms and mottos displayed on standards during parades at stations like RAF Northolt and commemorations at memorials such as the National Memorial Arboretum. Traditions encompass links with civic institutions including City of London Corporation affiliations, memorial events referencing battles like the Battle of Britain and campaigns such as the North African Campaign, and ceremonial honours awarded by monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
Category:Royal Air Force reserve units