Enduring partnerships key to regional stability: UK Chief of Air Staff

In an increasingly multipolar world, historic links with like-minded nations will prove pivotal in responding to global threats like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, writes UK Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, CBE, ADC, exclusively for Defence Connect.

What happened on 24 February 2022, when Russia commenced its brutal attempt to conquer Ukraine, does not just impact on Europe. It is not just about Ukrainian territory or European security.

What happens to Ukraine will echo all around the world, if a larger and more powerful country can get away with an unprovoked and unjustified invasion of a neighbour. The UK is determined that Russia’s illegal invasion will fail. We are working in lockstep with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other allies across the globe to do all we can to assist Ukraine defend its sovereign land and people, and ensure aggression does not prevail.

As an Air Force Chief watching the heroic and effective defence of Ukraine in the face of overwhelming force, or instances of reckless behaviour by some nations in space, I am concerned by the proliferation of threats to the UK and our allies.

I know that we can no longer assume the unchallenged access to air or space that my generation has enjoyed through most of our Air Force careers.

Nor when we look at what countries like South Korea and Japan are experiencing on a regular basis, can we ignore the growing threat of ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles or attack drones.

In a more uncertain and threat-laced future world, our ability to operate alongside like-minded allies will be one of our greatest strengths. That is why this week’s gathering of over 20 Air Force Chiefs at Avalon Airshow, with more than 50 other international delegations, is such an important event.

Avalon is a fabulous showcase of aircraft and cutting-edge air and space technology, but just as importantly, it strengthens our bonds as allies.

Among all of those Air Force to Air Force relationships, few come close to the richness of the RAF’s with the RAAF. Forged in war over 100 years ago, we have stood side by side through peace and war, protecting our people and our shared values.

Today, we operate more of the same aircraft than we have done in decades, including battle-winning platforms like the F-35, P-8, and E-7. We see ever closer integration of our world-class Australian and UK aerospace and space technology companies too.

This all contributes to the deeper UK focus on the Indo-Pacific, a region that is critical to the global economy, our collective security, and our support for an open and resilient international order. 

I was delighted and moved to begin my visit to Australia with the official handover at the Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia of an aircraft I had flown. This RAF Tornado bomber will be exhibited alongside an F/A 18 Hornet from No. 75 Squadron RAAF.

Preserved in Perth for future generations, these two aircraft will tell the story of Australian and UK squadrons working alongside each other on operations in Iraq in 2003.

This was yet another chapter in the glorious history of our two Air Forces, a history built on mutual respect, healthy competition, and a shared determination to protect and defend our skies and space.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, CBE, ADC, is the Chief of the Air Staff, in command of the Royal Air Force, leading a whole force of some 35,000 regular and Reserve personnel, and 5,000 civil servants, supported by thousands of contractors.

Commissioned on a University Cadetship in 1986, he completed his pilot training on the Tornado GR1 in 1992 followed by a succession of frontline tours, including operational deployments enforcing the no-fly zones in Iraq.

He commanded 12 (Bomber) Squadron, flying the Tornado GR4 and leading the squadron on two operational tours in Iraq and large force exercises in Canada, Malaysia, and the USA.

Appointments in operational headquarters have included Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, as the Chief of Combat Operations in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre; Basra International Airport, Iraq as Commander 903 Expeditionary Air Wing; and one year in Afghanistan as the Director Air Operations in Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. He was appointed CBE in 2013 for his contribution to that mission.

Staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence have included the Operations Directorate and the predecessor to what is now Military Strategic Effects. In 2013, after a short spell as the Tornado Force Commander, he became the Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff.

In January 2015, he was appointed Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia and Commander British Forces Cyprus, responsible for the civil governance of the Sovereign Base Areas and command of British forces based permanently in Cyprus. 

Prior to becoming Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston was Deputy Commander Capability, responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all aspects of Royal Air Force capability including people, equipment, infrastructure, and training.