The RAF Regiment is a specialist corps within the Royal Air Force (RAF) responsible for providing force protection, including ground defense and airbase security, ensuring the operational integrity of RAF assets and personnel. Established in 1942 during World War II, the Regiment has evolved into a highly capable force tasked with a variety of critical roles. Its squadrons are the primary operational units, each with unique capabilities designed to meet diverse mission requirements.
Organizational Structure
The RAF Regiment is organized into several squadrons, each with specific roles and responsibilities. These squadrons are categorized broadly as follows:
1. Field Squadrons
Field squadrons form the backbone of the RAF Regiment and are trained for ground defense and airbase protection. Their roles include:
- Counter-insurgency operations: Ensuring airbases are secure from threats such as sabotage and insurgent attacks.
- Patrolling and reconnaissance: Conducting perimeter and area patrols to detect and neutralize potential threats.
- Ground combat: Engaging enemy forces in defensive or offensive operations.
Each field squadron typically operates in small, highly mobile units equipped with advanced weaponry and vehicles such as the Jackal and the Foxhound.
2. Rapier and Sky Sabre Squadrons
Specialist squadrons within the RAF Regiment operate air defense systems to protect critical air assets and infrastructure. Historically, the Regiment operated the Rapier surface-to-air missile system, which is being replaced by the more advanced Sky Sabre system. These squadrons:
- Provide short-to-medium-range air defense against hostile aircraft and missiles.
- Integrate with broader NATO and allied air defense networks.
3. C-CBRN Squadrons
The RAF Regiment includes units trained for Counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (C-CBRN) operations. These squadrons:
- Detect, identify, and mitigate CBRN threats.
- Ensure the operational safety of airbases in CBRN-contaminated environments.
- Support allied and civil defense operations during crises.
4. Force Protection Wing Headquarters
The RAF Regiment includes Force Protection Wing HQs, which oversee the operations of field squadrons and ensure the coordination of force protection measures across multiple units. These HQ elements are critical in managing large-scale operations and integrating ground defense with air operations.
RAF Squadrons, Locations and Roles
The RAF Regiment currently comprises seven regular squadrons and six Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) Regiment squadrons.
| Squadron Name | Base Location | Primary Role |
| No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment | RAF Honington, Suffolk | Field Squadron responsible for ground defense and airbase protection. |
| No. II Squadron RAF Regiment | RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire | Parachute-trained Field Squadron specializing in rapid deployment and airbase defense. |
| No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment | RAF Marham, Norfolk | Field Squadron tasked with ground defense and security operations. |
| No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment | RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire | Field Squadron specializing in Counter-Unmanned Air Systems (C-UAS) operations. |
| No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment | RAF Lossiemouth, Moray | Field Squadron responsible for ground defense and airbase protection. |
| No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (King’s Colour Squadron) | RAF Northolt, Middlesex | Dual-role squadron performing ceremonial duties and functioning as a Field Squadron. |
| No. 27 Squadron RAF Regiment | RAF Honington, Suffolk | Specialist squadron focusing on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense under No. 20 Wing RAF Regiment. |
| No. 2503 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment | RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire | Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment squadron providing ground defense support. |
| No. 2620 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment | RAF Marham, Norfolk | Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment squadron specializing in ground defense operations. |
| No. 2622 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment | RAF Lossiemouth, Moray | Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment squadron tasked with airbase protection. |
| No. 2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment | RAF Honington, Suffolk | Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment squadron focusing on ground defense and security. |
| No. 2624 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment | RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire | Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment squadron providing force protection and airbase defense. |
| No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron RAuxAF | RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire | Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadron involved in ground defense operations. |
Training and Capabilities
RAF Regiment personnel undergo rigorous training at the RAF Regiment Training Wing, part of RAF Honington. This includes:
- Infantry combat skills.
- Advanced reconnaissance and surveillance techniques.
- Air defense system operation.
- C-CBRN response and mitigation.
The Regiment’s adaptability and specialized training enable it to respond effectively to a wide range of threats in diverse operational theaters.
