The Air Force Board (AFB) serves as the primary senior management authority of the Royal Air Force (RAF), responsible for directing and overseeing its operational, administrative, and strategic functions. Operating under the auspices of the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), the board ensures that the RAF remains aligned with national defense priorities and policy directives established by the Defense Council and the Secretary of State for Defence.
Structure and Composition of the Air Force Board
The Air Force Board is composed of senior government officials and RAF leadership. Its membership reflects a blend of civilian and military expertise, facilitating a balanced approach to managing the complexities of modern air power. Key members include:
- Secretary of State for Defence: The principal government authority overseeing defense policy and resource allocation.
- Ministerial Representatives: Includes the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare, and Veterans, and other parliamentary under secretaries responsible for equipment, international security, and other portfolios.
- Permanent Under Secretary of State: The MoD’s senior civil servant, providing continuity and administrative oversight.
- Chief of the Air Staff: The senior RAF officer, responsible for operational readiness and strategic planning.
- Deputy Commanders: These include the Deputy Commander Operations and the Deputy Commander Capability & Personnel, who lead key areas such as operations, capability development, training, and infrastructure.
- Chief of Materiel (Air): Represents the Defence Equipment and Support organization, ensuring the availability and modernization of air assets.
- Assistant Chief of the Air Staff: Focused on strategic coordination and policy development within the RAF.
- Specialist Officers: Additional experts are included as necessary to address specific matters under discussion.
This composition ensures that the Air Force Board integrates military operational expertise with the broader political and strategic vision of the UK government.
Functions and Responsibilities
The Air Force Board performs several critical functions:
- Policy Direction: Establishes and reviews policies to ensure that the RAF operates efficiently and effectively in support of national defense objectives.
- Resource Allocation: Oversees the distribution of personnel, equipment, and funding to maintain operational readiness and future capabilities.
- Strategic Planning: Shapes long-term plans for force structure, modernization, and adaptation to emerging threats and technological advancements.
- Operational Oversight: Provides high-level direction for current operations, ensuring coherence with broader defense goals.
Air Force Board Standing Committee (AFBSC)
The AFBSC is a specialized subset of the board, chaired by the Chief of the Air Staff. It focuses on implementing the policies and directives established by the Air Force Board. The AFBSC’s deliberations guide the operational and strategic activities of the RAF across its global network of headquarters and commands.
Leadership: The Chief of the Air Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) holds a pivotal role within the Air Force Board and the broader RAF hierarchy. As the senior-most RAF officer, the CAS is responsible for the overall operational readiness, effectiveness, and development of the service. The CAS oversees the work of the Air Force Board, ensuring its decisions are implemented and that the RAF’s contribution to national defense aligns with government objectives.
Current Chief of the Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston has served as Chief of the Air Staff since July 2019. Commissioned in 1986 and trained as a Tornado GR1 pilot, Sir Mike Wigston has extensive operational experience, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. His career encompasses leadership roles at various levels, such as commanding 12 (Bomber) Squadron and serving as Deputy Commander Capability. He has been instrumental in shaping RAF strategy, overseeing modernization initiatives, and fostering international partnerships. His academic credentials include a degree in Engineering Science from Oxford and an MA in Defense Studies from King’s College London.
