The role of 2 Group is to provide the operational ‘reach’ and the associated support to UK operations world-wide.

No 2 Group contains four clearly identifiable operational elements:

• Intelligence Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) – including Search and Rescue (SAR) and the Mountain Rescue Service. ISTAR aircraft are at RAF Waddington and RAF Kinloss. SAR helicopters are at RAF St Mawgan, Chivenor, Wattisham, RAF Valley, RAF Boulmer, RAF Lossiemouth and Leconfield.

• Air Transport including, strategic airlift at RAF Brize Norton and RAF Lyneham, communications and VIP transport at RAF Northolt.

• Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) at RAF Brize Norton

• Force Protection (FP) – includes RAF Regiment, RAF Police and the Joint CBRN Regiment at RAF Honington.

The 21 flying squadrons of No 2 Group operate from 15 different flying stations using 11 types of aircraft and a large array of offensive and defensive equipment.