The command structure of the Royal Air Force (RAF) is designed to provide operational efficiency, strategic oversight, and flexibility in response to diverse global challenges. It reflects the RAF’s role as a highly capable, adaptable air power component of the United Kingdom’s defense forces.
Leadership and Strategic Oversight
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)
The Chief of the Air Staff is the professional head of the RAF, responsible for providing strategic leadership and ensuring the delivery of air power to meet national defense requirements. Reporting directly to the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), the CAS shapes policy, strategy, and operational readiness.
Air Force Board
The Air Force Board is part of the UK Ministry of Defence and oversees the administration of the RAF. Chaired by the Secretary of State for Defence, the board includes senior RAF officers and other MOD officials. Its responsibilities include budgetary oversight, resource allocation, and high-level policy decisions.
Air Command
Headquarters Air Command
Headquartered at RAF High Wycombe, Air Command serves as the central authority for managing all RAF operations, personnel, and resources. Formed in 2007 from the merger of Strike Command and Personnel & Training Command, it provides unified oversight and coordination for both operational and support functions.
Group-Level Command Structure
The RAF is organized into several Groups, each specializing in distinct operational or support roles:
No. 1 Group: Air Combat
No. 1 Group is responsible for the RAF’s fast-jet and combat air capabilities, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning. It oversees squadrons involved in air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
No. 2 Group: Air Mobility and Force Protection
No. 2 Group manages air transport, air-to-air refueling, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. It also oversees RAF Regiment units responsible for force protection and ground-based air defense.
No. 11 Group: Multi-Domain Operations
No. 11 Group focuses on integrated, multi-domain operations, including cyber, space, and the electromagnetic spectrum. It plays a critical role in coordinating joint and coalition efforts across multiple theaters.
No. 22 Group: Training and Personnel
No. 22 Group handles training and development for RAF personnel. This includes initial officer training, technical training, and advanced flight training through partnerships such as the Military Flying Training System (MFTS).
No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG)
Based in the Middle East, No. 83 EAG supports deployed RAF operations, particularly in regions such as the Gulf and broader Middle East. It plays a key role in managing logistics, force protection, and air operations in deployed environments.
Specialized Units and Capabilities
The RAF also incorporates specialized units that support its broader mission:
- Joint Helicopter Command (JHC): While under Army operational control, many RAF rotary-wing assets, such as the Puma and Chinook helicopters, are assigned to JHC.
- Space Command: A relatively new entity, RAF Space Command focuses on space situational awareness, satellite operations, and partnerships with allied space organizations.
- RAF Reserves: Comprising part-time personnel, the reserves enhance operational capacity and provide additional expertise across various disciplines.
Integration with Joint and Allied Forces
The RAF maintains a high degree of integration with other branches of the UK Armed Forces, NATO, and allied nations. This includes participation in joint commands like Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) and collaborative initiatives such as the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC).
