No. 1 Group of the Royal Air Force (RAF), headquartered at RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, serves as the Air Combat Group within RAF Air Command. Its primary responsibility encompasses the administration and operational control of the RAF’s fast-jet combat aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.
1 Group RAF Historical Overview
Established on April 1, 1918, coinciding with the formation of the RAF, No. 1 Group has undergone several transformations throughout its history. Initially formed in London, it was renumbered as No. 21 Group in 1926. The group was reconstituted on August 25, 1927, by renaming the Air Defence Group, but was disbanded on December 22, 1939. It was reformed again on June 22, 1940, within Bomber Command, playing a significant role during World War II. In the post-war era, No. 1 Group managed Thor ballistic missiles and later operated bomber and strike aircraft under Strike Command. Since January 2000, following a restructuring of the RAF, the group has assumed its current role, focusing on air combat operations.
Current Structure and Responsibilities of No.1 Group
As of December 2024, No. 1 Group oversees several key RAF stations and squadrons, including:
- RAF Coningsby: Home to multiple Typhoon FGR4 squadrons, including No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron, No. XI (Fighter) Squadron, No. 12 Squadron, and No. 29 Squadron, which serves as the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The station also hosts the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
- RAF Lossiemouth: Hosts Typhoon FGR4 squadrons such as No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron, No. II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, No. 6 Squadron, and No. IX (Bomber) Squadron. Additionally, it accommodates No. 120 and No. 201 Squadrons operating the Poseidon MRA1 for maritime patrol roles. Notably, No. 8 Squadron is scheduled to form at Lossiemouth in 2025 with the E-7A Wedgetail.
- RAF Marham: Base for the F-35B Lightning squadrons, including No. 207 Squadron (OCU), No. 617 Squadron, and No. 809 Naval Air Squadron, the latter having been re-established in December 2023.
- RAF Waddington: Focuses on ISTAR operations with units such as No. 13 Squadron (MQ-9A Reaper), No. 14 Squadron (Shadow R1), No. 31 Squadron (transitioning to Protector UAVs), No. 51 Squadron (RC-135W Airseeker), and No. 54 Squadron, which serves as the ISTAR crews Operational Conversion Unit.
The group maintains a continuous Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) capability, with Typhoon aircraft stationed at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby, ready to respond to potential threats to UK and NATO airspace.
Recent Developments
In October 2024, No. 1 Group units participated in “Exercise Strike Warrior,” a significant military drill off the coast of Scotland. This exercise involved F-35B Lightning jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron and showcased the UK’s Carrier Strike capabilities in preparation for a major global deployment in 2025.
Additionally, the group has been involved in intelligence-gathering missions. In September 2024, RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft conducted operations along NATO’s eastern borders, collecting vital information on Russian forces, thereby demonstrating the UK’s commitment to NATO and its operational capabilities.
