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Royal Air Force Honington or more simply RAF Honington (IATA: BEQ, ICAO: EGXH) is a Royal Air Force station located 6 mi (9.7 km) south of Thetford near Ixworth in Suffolk, England. It was used as a bomber station during the Second World War and through the Cold War, hosting Handley Page Victors and Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneers. RAF Honington has been the RAF Regiment depot since 1994.

Key Information

History

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Royal Air Force use

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Construction of Honington airfield, which was undertaken by John Laing & Son, began in 1935, and the station was opened on 3 May 1937.[6] Squadrons of RAF Bomber Command using the airfield prior to the Second World War were:

IX Squadron flew the first RAF bombing raid of the Second World War on 4 September 1939 flying a sortie against the Kriegsmarine in the Baltic resulting in the loss of two Wellingtons.[11]

In July 1940, No. 311 (Czech) Squadron RAF formed at Honington with Wellingtons, later moving to RAF East Wretham in November 1940.[12]

Then, in May 1941, a Wellington returning from a night trip attempted to land at Honington with its wheels retracted. It skidded to one side and crashed into the main bomb dump where it burst into flames. Group Captain J. A. Gray and Squadron Leader J. A. McCarthy, the station medical officer, were the first on the scene of the crash. Both entered the burning aircraft in an attempt to rescue the crew who were trapped and, between them, they saved two crew-members. For their gallantry, both officers were awarded the George Medal.[13]

United States Army Air Forces use

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Aerial photography of RAF Honington, 25 January 1944 oriented north. The pre-World War II Honington Airfield is on the right, the 1st Strategic Air Depot is to the left. Note the large number of B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft parked on numerous hardstands at both the airfield and depot

In June 1942, the airfield was transferred to the USAAF and was upgraded to a Class A Bomber base. Honington was assigned USAAF designation Station 375.[14]

  • 314th Service Group[15]

USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Honington were:[14]

467th Service Squadron; HHS 314th Service Group
  • 18th Weather Squadron
  • 68th Station Complement Squadron
  • 9th Depot Repair Squadron
  • Headquarters (Western Base Section)

Regular Army Station Units included:

  • Headquarters & Headquarters Battery (386th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion)
  • 386th Anti-Aircraft Artillery AW Battalion
  • 386th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion
  • 1097th Signal Company
  • 1178th Quartermaster Company
  • 1221st Military Police Company
  • 1599th Ordnance Supply & Maintenance Company
  • 2017th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon

1st Strategic Air Depot

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Under USAAF control, an additional facility, called Troston, was constructed to the west of the main airfield as a specialized air depot for the repair of badly damaged B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and supporting the 3d Bomb Division located in the area. Badly damaged Fortresses were often instructed to crash land at Honington on return from operations, particularly if their landing gear could not be lowered, as this avoided the necessity to dismantle and transport the aircraft from its home base for repair.[14]

364th Fighter Group

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North American P-51D-15-NA Mustangs of the 385th Fighter Squadron. 44-15493 "Jeannie II" in foreground, 44-14322 "Coffin Wit Wings" behind

In addition to the air depot, Honington also housed an operational fighter unit when the 364th Fighter Group took up residence at Honington in February 1944, arriving from Santa Maria AAF, California. The group was under the command of the 67th Fighter Wing of the VIII Fighter Command.[16]

The group consisted of the following squadrons:[17]

The 364th FG flew escort, dive-bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.[17]

Converted from Lockheed P-38 Lightnings to North American P-51 Mustangs in the summer of 1944 and from then until the end of the war flew many long-range escort missions heavy bombers that attacked oil refineries, industries, and other strategic objectives at Berlin, Regensburg, Merseburg, Stuttgart, Brussels, and elsewhere. The 364th received a Distinguished Unit Citation for an escort mission on 27 December 1944 when the group dispersed a large force of German fighters that attacked the bomber formation the group was escorting on a raid to Frankfurt.[17]

The group patrolled the English Channel during the Normandy invasion in June 1944, and, while continuing escort operations, supported ground forces in France after the invasion by strafing and bombing locomotives, marshalling yards, bridges, barges, and other targets.[18]

The 364th also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged in patrol activities, and continued to support ground forces as the battle line moved through France and into Germany. Took part in the effort to invade the Netherlands by air, September 1944; the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 – January 1945; and the assault across the Rhine, March 1945.[18]

The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946
The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946

Although the last mission by the 364th took place on 25 April 1945, the group did not depart until November, returning to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, for inactivation. Even then, Honington remained the lone Eighth Air Force outpost in the UK becoming Fighter Command HQ on 5 October. Honington was the last USAAF station to be returned to the RAF. By the beginning of 1946, the airfield remained the only active station which had been used by the Eighth Air Force and a fitting ceremony was planned to mark its closure and official handing back to the Royal Air Force. On 26 February, Brigadier General Emil Kiel – the Eighth Fighter Command commander – was present to hand over the keys of the station to Air Marshal Sir James Robb, AOC RAF Fighter Command. An RAF band played The Star-Spangled Banner as the Stars and Stripes were lowered for the RAF Ensign to be hoisted in its place. The airfield, which was the first transferred to the United States Army Air Forces for its use in 1942, was the last to be returned to the Air Ministry.[19]

Back to Royal Air Force control

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RAF Honington was then used by RAF Transport Command. The station provided support the Berlin Airlift and was transferred to RAF Bomber Command in 1949.[20] It accommodated storage facilities for No. 94 Armament Maintenance Unit in the 1950s and a 9,000 ft concrete runway was completed in 1956.[20]

Bomber squadrons, 10, XV, 44, and 57 flying the English Electric Canberra were based at the station from 1955 to 1957 and 10 and XV Squadrons saw action in the Suez Crisis.[20]

In 1956, RAF Honington also became a V bomber base: squadrons, Nos, 7, 90, and 199 flew Vickers Valiant while squadron Nos, 55 and 57 flew Handley Page Victors.[20]

In 1965 the station was put into reserve to accommodate the proposed General Dynamics F-111 fleet: the married quarters were used for evacuees from the Aden Emergency at that time.[21]

The station then became home to Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneer bombers from November 1969. Squadron Nos. 12, 15 and 16 were formed. 15 and 16 squadrons moved to RAF Laarbruch in West Germany in 1971. No. 237 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) was formed at Honington when the RAF took over Buccaneer training from the Royal Navy. 208 and 216 squadrons were also based there.[20] The Buccaneer fleet (12, 208, and 237 OCU) moved to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.[20]

A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.
A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.

The station was then selected to become a base for the RAF's Panavia Tornado fleet in 1981. In August 1982 IX(B) Squadron was reformed at RAF Honington, becoming the world's first operational Tornado squadron. Equipment included the WE.177 nuclear bomb. IX Squadron relocated to RAF Bruggen in Germany in 1986. No. 45 Squadron was the sole occupant until XIII Squadron formed there in January 1990.[20]

RAF Regiment Depot

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On 15 July 1992, it was announced that the Tornados would depart Honington and that the station would relinquish its primary flying role and become the RAF Regiment Depot.[22] As a result, the TWCU moved to Lossiemouth (to replace the Buccaneers) in November 1993. Honington ceased to be a flying station on 1 February 1994 when No. 13 Squadron relocated to RAF Marham.[23] The Depot moved in June 1994, when RAF Catterick in North Yorkshire, home of the previous depot, transferred to the British Army.[23]

RAF Honington became the home to 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron due to the closure of RAF Watton in April 2012, requiring their conversion to the Grob 109B Vigilant motor glider until the closure of that unit in 2016.[24]

During 2018, No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment moved to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, completing the move in September of that year.[25] No. 20 Wing RAF Regiment (Defence Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Wing) disbanded on 1 April 2019 having been at Honington since 2011. The CBRN role was taken over by 28 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers, with No. 27 Squadron RAF Regiment coming under army command, before disbanding in October 2021.[26][27]

Role and operations

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RAF Honington's mission statement is "Delivering Air Force Protection Capability for the RAF and Defence".[28] The station is the single hub for RAF Force Protection, incorporating the RAF Regiment Headquarters and the RAF Police Headquarters. Together they are responsible for protecting the RAF at home and abroad. The station is home to over 1,500 military personnel, civil servants and contractors.[29] RAF Honington is home to three RAF Regiment field squadrons. Through the RAF Force Protection Centre and RAF Regiment Training Wing, the station also provides initial and advanced training for members of the RAF Regiment and specialist training for the RAF's entire Force Protection capability.[29] The RAF Police is the service police branch of the Royal Air Force and Honington is home to the RAF Police Headquarters. It also accommodates No. 1 (Tactical) Police Squadron which provides field policing, and reserve unit No. 3 (Tactical) Police Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) which provides a general policing and aviation security capability.[29]

Based units

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The following units are based at RAF Honington.[30][31][32]

Royal Air Force

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No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support)

No. 22 Group (Training)

British Army

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Royal Engineers

Strategic Command

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Defence Medical Services

  • Honington Regional Rehabilitation Unit

Civilian

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  • RAF Regiment Heritage Centre
  • RAF Honington Flying Club – Piper PA-28

Heritage

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Station badge and motto

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RAF Honington's badge, awarded in June 1956, features the head of St. Edmund in front of two crossed arrows pointing downwards. The head of St. Edmund represents the nearby town of Bury St Edmunds which is approximately 9 km (5.59 mi) to the south east of the station, in whose coat of arms the representation is featured. The arrows in saltire, represent St. Edmund's martyrdom.[33]

The station's motto (Pro anglia valens) is in Latin and translates into English as Valiant for England.[33]

Built heritage

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The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort, fully raised and manned during the Second World War.
The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort, fully raised and manned during the Second World War.

Two Second World War era hardened field fortifications survive within the airfield boundary. The Pickett-Hamilton forts were designated as scheduled monuments by English Heritage (now Historic England) in September 2002. The forts were constructed in late 1940 in order to provide ground defence for the airfield. A third example is thought to have been destroyed during redevelopment of the station after the war.[34]

The forts were designed to be lowered into the ground while not in use; as such they would be inconspicuous and would not interfere with the passage of taxiing aircraft or vehicles. The forts could be raised to about 2 feet 6 inches (0.76 m) above ground level where each would pose a physical impediment to aircraft and vehicles and from where a small crew could fire rifles or light machine guns.[35]

The examples at Honington are described by Historic England as having "importance as comparatively rare surviving examples of an unusual and innovative type of airfield defence installation. The outer structure and lifting heads of both remain in good condition, and the example which is in working order, with its principal internal fittings intact, is of particular interest."[34]

Former units

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The following units were here at some point:[36]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

RAF Honington

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
RAF Honington is a station located in , , approximately 6 miles south of and near . Established in during the RAF's expansion in response to the growing threat of war, it initially functioned as a bomber base hosting both RAF and Czechoslovakian squadrons. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the and RAF Police under the Air Officer Global Enablement, providing specialized training for these units as well as pre-deployment preparation for RAF personnel, and supporting global security for UK air and space power assets with around 1,600 military and civilian staff. The station's early history was marked by significant wartime activity. During , RAF Honington operated as a key facility for Bomber Command until 1942, when it was transferred to the and repurposed as a major repair depot for damaged aircraft, including B-17 Flying Fortresses, P-38 Lightnings, and P-51 Mustangs, until its return to RAF control in 1946. One of its most tragic events occurred on 19 August 1940, when a bombing raid inflicted heavy casualties on personnel and infrastructure. Post-war, the base resumed flying operations in 1955 with bombers from squadrons such as Nos. 15, 44, and 57, transitioning to V-bombers like the Valiant (No. 7 Squadron from 1956) and Victor (Nos. 55 and 57 Squadrons by 1959), which supported operations including the 1956 . In the era, RAF Honington hosted a wing from 1969, including Nos. 12, 208, and 216 Squadrons, along with the 237 Operational Conversion Unit, before shifting to aircraft in the early with units such as Nos. 9 (IX(B) Squadron) and the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit (later No. 45 Squadron). By 1994, following the end of front-line flying roles, the station was redesignated as the central home for the and RAF Police, consolidating basic, advanced, field, and air defense training previously based at RAF Catterick. This transition emphasized ground-based defense and policing capabilities, including roles during the protection efforts by units like No. 2623 Squadron RAuxAF , formed in 1979 and re-formed in 1995 for training. Currently, RAF Honington hosts the Specialist Police Wing, multiple and Police squadrons (including regular and reserve units), No. 611 operating Viking T1 gliders for RAF Air Cadets training, and the British Army's 28 Engineer Regiment focused on counter-chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (. The station commander is Mark Hinde, who assumed the role in July 2025. Facilities include a 24/7 , and dental centers, childcare services, , a community center, and a information hub to support personnel and families. Notable recent developments include the 2020 commemoration of the 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron Memorial, honoring its WWII contributions, and the 2021 disbandment of No. 27 Squadron after decades of service.

Overview

Location and Establishment

RAF Honington is situated in , England, approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) south of and between the towns of and Thetford, with approximate coordinates of 52°20′33″N 00°46′23″E. Construction of the airfield began in 1935 as part of the Royal Air Force's pre-war expansion in response to increasing international tensions. The project was undertaken by the construction firm John Laing & Son under the direction of the , which funded the development of permanent facilities for Bomber Command. The station was officially opened on 3 May 1937 and established as a station within No. 3 Group of . Initial infrastructure included a grass airfield suitable for inter-war operations, along with several hangars and support buildings designed to accommodate squadrons of aircraft such as the and ; many of these original structures remain in use today.

Strategic Importance

RAF Honington was established in 1937 as part of the Royal Air Force's rapid expansion scheme in response to the growing threat from and other potential aggressors in , serving as a key base to provide deterrence through its strategic positioning in . The airfield housed squadrons equipped with medium bombers such as Wellingtons, enabling the RAF to project air power and maintain a credible threat against continental adversaries during the . During World War II, Honington pivoted to support Allied air campaigns, initially hosting RAF and allied bomber operations before being transferred to the in 1942, where it functioned as the 1st Strategic Air Depot for repairing and modifying damaged B-17 Flying Fortresses, P-38 Lightnings, and P-51 Mustangs, thereby sustaining the against . Control returned to the RAF in 1946, and by the mid-1950s, the base resumed operational flying with Canberra aircraft, evolving into a cornerstone of Britain's nuclear deterrence strategy during the . In 1956, No. 7 Squadron reformed at Honington with V-bombers, forming part of the RAF's V-Force tasked with delivering strategic nuclear strikes to counter Soviet aggression, a role that continued with bombers in strategic reconnaissance and strike capabilities through the 1960s and 1970s. The station later supported low-level strike missions with Blackburn Buccaneers from 1969 to 1984 and Panavia Tornados until 1986, enhancing NATO's forward defense posture. Since the 1990s, RAF Honington has shifted focus under the RAF's Strategic Command to , advanced training for the and Police, and global enablement operations, serving as the headquarters for the Air Officer Global Enablement to support expeditionary air worldwide. This modern role emphasizes readiness for rapid deployment and security of RAF assets in contested environments, reflecting the base's adaptation from offensive bombing to enabling sustainable air operations in contemporary conflicts.

History

Pre-World War II Development

The development of RAF Honington began in as part of the Royal Air Force's expansion programme, which aimed to establish a network of bomber bases in response to growing international tensions. Land acquisition focused on a site in near Ixworth, selected for its strategic location in to support Group's operations. This initiative was driven by the need to rapidly increase the RAF's bomber capacity, with Honington planned as a permanent station to house multiple squadrons. Construction commenced in 1935 under the contractor John Laing & Son and continued through 1936-1937, transforming the site into a fully operational airfield. The facility featured a grass airfield layout typical of expansion-period bases, with three runways to accommodate bomber operations, alongside technical areas equipped with Type C hangars designed for efficient . Domestic accommodations were built to permanent standards using and concrete, supporting a resident population of aircrew and ground personnel. The station officially opened on 3 May 1937, under the command of William Sowrey. Initial RAF operations at Honington commenced with the arrival of No. 77 Squadron in July 1937, equipped with Hawker Audax and light bombers for day bombing roles. This was followed by No. 102 Squadron in August 1937, operating bombers, and No. 9 Squadron in September 1937, which introduced the more advanced twin-engined medium bombers to the base. These units conducted routine training flights, including navigation exercises and bombing practice over designated ranges, while preparing for potential wartime duties. By 1938, No. 75 Squadron had joined with Harrows and Wellingtons, further consolidating Honington's role as a key bomber hub. In the lead-up to 1939, squadron activities emphasized operational readiness through simulated sorties and anti-submarine patrols along coastal areas, reflecting the airfield's contribution to broader defensive preparations amid the impending threat of . These efforts included flights to monitor shipping lanes, underscoring Honington's evolving strategic importance without engaging in .

World War II Operations

During , RAF Honington served as a key base for Bomber Command operations, primarily hosting No. 9 Squadron from the outbreak of hostilities in 1939. Equipped with bombers, the squadron conducted its first combat sorties in early September 1939, targeting German naval shipping in the as part of initial anti-shipping raids. The squadron continued operations with Wellingtons, undertaking night bombing missions against industrial and military targets in , including operations in support of the strategic bombing campaign. These raids involved high-risk penetrations of enemy airspace, with the squadron contributing to major efforts like the attacks on the Ruhr Valley, though specific sortie counts for Honington-based operations emphasized precision navigation and crew endurance over volume, until its departure in August 1942. One significant event occurred on 19 August 1940, when RAF Honington was targeted by a bombing raid. The attack, part of broader operations during the , involved high-explosive and incendiary bombs, resulting in four personnel killed, several wounded, and damage to hangars and aircraft, disrupting operations at the base. In July 1940, No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron was formed at Honington, comprising exiled Czechoslovak airmen who had escaped Nazi occupation. Operating bombers under Bomber Command until April 1942, the squadron flew night raids over occupied Europe, targeting ports and rail infrastructure to disrupt German logistics. Transitioning to , No. 311 relocated but maintained ties to Honington's early role; it later specialized in anti-shipping strikes using Consolidated Liberator GR.V aircraft, sinking several U-boats and surface vessels in the and Atlantic approaches through 1945, with notable successes including the destruction of the German blockade runner Isbjørn in October 1944. The squadron's contributions highlighted the valor of Allied expatriate forces, suffering heavy losses—over 100 aircrew killed—while logging thousands of operational hours. The base was transferred to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in September 1942, redesignated Station 375 and later associated with support roles under Station 379, becoming the site of the 1st Strategic Air Depot. This facility focused on major overhauls, repairs, and modifications of B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and other aircraft, enabling the return to service of damaged planes from combat groups; by 1943, it supported operations for four bomb wings, processing aircraft for over 1,000 missions through specialized engineering teams and hangars expanded for heavy maintenance. In February 1944, the 364th Fighter Group arrived with fighters, flying its first escort mission on March 2 to , , and providing during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, where P-38s patrolled beaches to counter interference. The group converted to fighters in July 1944, conducting bomber escorts, dive-bombing, and strafing runs across , including patrols against V-1 flying bombs launched toward Britain from June 1944 onward, downing several "buzz bombs" to bolster home defenses. Through May 1945, the 364th flew 342 combat missions, claiming 256 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air and 193 on the ground, at the cost of 134 fighters lost and numerous personnel casualties. Honington was returned to RAF control in February 1946.

Post-War and Cold War Era

Following the departure of the United States Army Air Forces in February 1946, RAF Honington reverted to Royal Air Force control and was assigned to Transport Command. No. 1 Transport Modification Unit was established there in 1947 to adapt aircraft for transport duties, but the station remained largely inactive for major flying operations and was effectively mothballed amid postwar demobilization efforts. This period of low activity persisted until the escalating tensions of the Cold War prompted its strategic revival as a bomber base. In February 1955, Honington was reactivated with the arrival of Nos. 15, 44, and 57 Squadrons from , equipped with B.2 and B.6 bombers for light and medium bombing roles. No. 10 Squadron joined the wing later that year, establishing a four-squadron Canberra formation under Bomber Command that focused on training, reconnaissance, and potential conventional strike missions. These units enhanced the RAF's tactical capabilities during the early , participating in exercises that simulated responses to Soviet aggression in . By 1956, as the UK's nuclear deterrent strategy evolved, Honington transitioned to hosting V-bombers, beginning with aircraft operated by No. 7 Squadron for high-altitude . In January 1959, No. 57 Squadron re-formed at the base with B.1s, followed by No. 55 Squadron in April 1960, creating a dedicated Victor Wing. These squadrons formed a critical component of RAF Bomber Command's (later Strike Command) airborne nuclear force, maintaining postures with aircraft armed for free-fall atomic bombs and, from 1963, the Blue Steel nuclear stand-off missile to penetrate Soviet defenses. The Victor's delta-wing design and range enabled global deterrence patrols, underscoring Honington's role in the UK's independent nuclear posture amid the 1960s arms race. The Victor era ended in 1965, with Nos. 55 and 57 Squadrons relocating to in May and December, respectively, to convert to duties as submarines assumed primary deterrence responsibilities. Following a period of limited activity, including temporary Vulcan bomber operations through the 1970s, Honington was repurposed in October 1969 as the base for the RAF's wing. No. 12 Squadron reformed with S.2 aircraft for low-level maritime strike and roles, joined later by Nos. 208 and 216 Squadrons, and No. 237 Operational Conversion Unit for training. These units supported NATO's northern flank defense, conducting armed patrols and exercises over the until the Buccaneers were phased out in 1984. In 1982, Honington became the home of the RAF's first operational GR1 squadron, No. IX (Bomber) Squadron, equipped for low-level strike and nuclear delivery roles before relocating to RAF Brüggen in 1986. The Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit, redesignated No. 45 (Reserve) Squadron in 1983, continued training operations. No. 13 Squadron reformed in 1990 with GR1A for reconnaissance missions, marking the final front-line flying unit at the base until its relocation in 1994.

Transition to Training Base

Following the end of the , RAF Honington underwent a significant transformation from an operational flying station to a specialized training and administrative center. Operational flying activities ceased on 1 February 1994, when No. 13 Squadron relocated its Tornado GR1 aircraft to , marking the complete handover of the base from flying operations. This closure followed earlier relocations of bomber and tanker units, including No. 57 Squadron's B.1 aircraft, which moved from Honington to in December 1965. The shift allowed the station to repurpose its infrastructure for non-flying roles, aligning with broader RAF restructuring to consolidate training functions. In June 1994, RAF Honington became the new home of the RAF Regiment Depot, relocating from RAF Catterick in North Yorkshire and establishing it as the central hub for all basic, advanced, field, and air defense training for the corps. This move expanded the station's role as the primary training base for RAF ground defense forces, building on the Regiment's historical depot functions that had been centralized at Catterick since the 1940s. The integration of RAF Police elements further solidified this transition; in June 2015, No. 3 Police Wing, comprising approximately 300 personnel, relocated its headquarters from RAF Henlow to Honington, enhancing the base's focus on security and policing training. This co-location fostered joint operations between the RAF Regiment and Police, streamlining force protection capabilities. The station's evolution continued into the 2010s with the establishment of specialized training programs and command structures. Following the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the RAF assumed responsibility for counter-chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (C-CBRN) training from the , with No. 20 Wing at Honington taking over these functions to support deployed forces. No. 26 Squadron was reformed in 2010 as a dedicated C-CBRN unit based at the station, providing expertise in hazard mitigation and decontamination. By the mid-2010s, Honington hosted the headquarters for RAF Global Enablement, overseeing worldwide delivery of and Police activities under the Air Officer Global Enablement, which coordinates expeditionary support including elements linked to operations. This structure emphasized the base's role in enabling global air operations through enhanced training and administrative oversight. A notable milestone in preserving the station's heritage occurred in early 2025 with the official opening of the RAF Honington History Rooms, a dedicated facility documenting the base's aviation history from 1937 to 1994, including squadrons, artifacts, and personal stories from its flying era. The rooms, opened by station personnel, serve as an educational resource for current trainees while honoring the transition to its present focus on ground-based enablement.

Current Role and Operations

Training and Enablement Functions

RAF Honington serves as a primary hub for the core training of RAF Regiment personnel, delivered through the Regiment Training Wing, which focuses on developing essential skills in force protection, weapons handling, and tactical operations. This training encompasses Phase 2 role-specific instruction, typically spanning 22 weeks, where trainees undergo rigorous modules in fieldcraft, combat tactics, live-fire exercises, and close-quarters battle techniques to prepare them for defending air assets in diverse environments. The program emphasizes practical scenarios to build proficiency in countering ground threats and ensuring the security of RAF operations worldwide. The Specialist Police Wing at RAF Honington provides specialized training for RAF Police personnel, covering , counter-, and security operations critical to maintaining discipline and within the service. Courses include instruction in , defensive cyber operations, , and threat detection to counter and protect sensitive information across operational theaters. This training equips officers to support both routine policing duties and high-stakes deployments, integrating with broader efforts. Under the Global Enablement framework headquartered at Honington, pre-deployment training is conducted for personnel across all RAF branches, incorporating cultural awareness programs to foster understanding of operational environments and training for resilience in austere conditions. These sessions, often delivered through integrated exercises, cover , environmental adaptation, and cross-cultural competence to ensure readiness for international missions. Such preparation enhances operational effectiveness by mitigating risks associated with deployment in unfamiliar territories. Honington hosts annual events that showcase and advance training capabilities, such as the 2025 RAF Police Military Trials held from 21 to 25 , where specialist teams competed in patrols, detection, and assessments to highlight the role of canine units in operations. These gatherings not only evaluate skills but also promote inter-unit and of RAF enablement functions.

Global Enablement Headquarters

RAF Honington serves as the headquarters for the Air Security Force, a key component of the RAF's Global Enablement organisation, which was established to oversee worldwide enablement activities for air operations. The Air Security Force Headquarters, based at the station since the evolution of RAF structures, commands three Police and Security Wings, nine regular squadrons, and one reserve squadron, focusing on global policing and security for RAF assets. This setup positions Honington as a central hub for coordinating expeditionary capabilities, including those supporting deployments under broader RAF groups like , though the latter's operational headquarters remains forward-based in regions such as the . The primary responsibilities of the Global Enablement Headquarters at Honington encompass developing policy and providing support for , , and logistics enablement across RAF operations in key theatres including the , , and . These efforts ensure the protection of air assets, timely dissemination to counter threats, and logistical sustainment for deployed forces, enabling rapid response to global contingencies. For instance, the headquarters facilitates the generation of specialised skills for air and space operations, drawing on approximately 8,000 personnel across the Global Enablement structure to maintain operational readiness. Leadership of the Global Enablement falls under the Air Officer Global Enablement, currently P T Hamilton MBE, who assumed the role in March 2025 following promotion from . At the station level, Mark Hinde serves as Station Commander, having commenced in July 2025 with extensive experience in air and space operations. Under this command, the headquarters integrates with frameworks and supports joint exercises, such as contributing personnel to multinational training events that enhance collective defence capabilities. This includes oversight of enablement for initiatives like Ukraine aid training programs, where RAF expertise bolsters partner forces' operational effectiveness.

Based Units

Royal Air Force Units

RAF Honington serves as a key base for several regular units, primarily focused on , security, and training support. These units contribute to the station's role in enabling global RAF operations through specialized ground defense, policing, and aviation training capabilities. No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment is a field squadron dedicated to ground defense and for RAF assets in diverse threat environments. Based at RAF Honington, the squadron provides active defense capabilities, including reconnaissance and rapid response to ground threats, enabling air and space . It is equipped with wheeled armoured vehicles such as the for high-mobility patrols and the for protected operations, supporting deployments worldwide. The squadron comprises approximately 170 personnel, including specialized roles like mechanics and paramedics, and conducts regular training exercises across the . No. 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron operates from RAF Honington, delivering air experience training to using Viking T1 gliders. Established to provide affordable opportunities, the squadron focuses on developing basic piloting skills and awareness for young cadets, fostering future RAF talent. It has been based at Honington since relocating there, conducting flights from the station's airfield to support cadet squadrons across and beyond. Additional regular RAF units at the station include elements of the Specialist Police Wing, such as 1 Tactical Police & Squadron, which delivers enhanced aviation , , and counter-threat operations. This squadron, partially based at Honington, specializes in protecting air mobility assets through armed and unarmed roles, including cargo and passenger screening. Joint training with reserve units occurs periodically to enhance overall readiness.

British Army Units

The 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN), , is the sole unit based at RAF Honington, providing specialist counter-chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (C-CBRN) capabilities to Defence since its establishment on 1 April 2019. The regiment's is located at the station in , , where it focuses on , , hazard management, and post-attack mitigation to counter CBRN threats. The is planned to relocate to Rock Barracks, , to join other squadrons of the regiment. This role supports broader defence objectives by enabling rapid detection and identification of hazards through dismounted and mounted operations. Key functions of the regiment include sampling and of CBRN agents, procedures, and response to hazardous incidents, all integrated into joint training exercises that enhance with RAF units. These activities ensure effective threat neutralization in operational environments, drawing on historical precedents from deployments such as Operation Telic in and in . The regiment's expertise contributes to national resilience by bolstering preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks. Equipment utilized by the regiment includes the Fuchs , a six-wheeled armoured platform equipped with sensors for detecting nuclear , chemical agents, and biological threats during mounted missions. Upgrades to these vehicles, delivered progressively since 2022, enhance sensor integration and operational reliability for Falcon Squadron, the regiment's dedicated CBRN reconnaissance element.

Reserve and Auxiliary Units

RAF Honington serves as the base for several reserve and auxiliary units within the Royal Air Force, providing part-time personnel to augment regular forces in , policing, and security roles. These units conduct monthly drills and training to maintain readiness for operational support both in the UK and overseas. The 2623 (East Anglian) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment, formed on 1 July 1979, specializes in ground defence and tasks, including preventing disruptions to air operations. As a reserve squadron under the 7 Force Protection Wing, it delivers sustainment capabilities to the RAF's ground-based air defence forces, such as the system, through part-time personnel who train monthly at Honington. No. 3 RAF Police (Reserve) Squadron, also known as the 3 (Tactical) Police Squadron, was established in 2001 following the Strategic Defence Review and relocated to RAF Honington from . This reserve unit generates specialist RAF Police reservists for tactical policing, , and security duties, supporting the Air Security Force on global operations. Personnel from the squadron provide augmentation in areas such as aviation security and operational policing. The 1 Tactical Police Squadron includes a reserve element of RAuxAF personnel integrated with its regulars, headquartered at RAF Honington as part of the . These reservists contribute to aviation , , and protection of the Air Mobility Force, including VIP close protection and field policing during deployments. Similarly, the 2 RAF Police Counter Squadron, based at Honington under the 1 Specialist Police , incorporates reserve support for counter-intelligence operations, threat detection, and investigations. Reservists assist in gathering , assessing risks to air capabilities, and mitigating breaches, enhancing the squadron's role in protective . Reserve units at Honington integrate with regular forces during exercises, such as the 2025 RAF Police Military Working Dog Trials hosted at the station, where reserve dog handling teams participated alongside others to demonstrate operational capabilities in detection and roles.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Airfield and Hangars

RAF Honington's airfield is equipped with a single main , designated 08/26, which measures 2,745 meters in length and 51 meters in width. The surface consists of asphalt and , providing a Take-Off Run Available (TORA) of 2,745 meters, Take-Off Distance Available (TODA) of 2,815 meters for direction 08 and 2,745 meters for direction 26, Accelerate-Stop Distance Available () of 2,745 meters, and Landing Distance Available (LDA) of 2,745 meters (as of October 2025). This configuration supports glider operations and accommodates occasional visits as part of military training activities. The station preserves original World War II-era Type C hangars, characteristic of RAF expansion-period designs, which have been refurbished for ongoing use. These structures, including Building 27 and Building 30 (known as the "Jimmy James Hangar"), measure approximately 91 meters in length and 46 meters in width, originally built to house heavy bombers. Modern additions to the hangar facilities provide dedicated storage for the Grob Viking T1 gliders operated by No. 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, enabling efficient maintenance and preparation for cadet training flights. Air traffic control at RAF Honington is managed through tactical units integrated into the station's Force structure, with facilities supporting management for and other training operations; no dedicated civil ATS is provided, and all movements require prior permission via station operations. Fuel and maintenance infrastructure includes depots with limited capacity tailored to glider support, reflecting the airfield's transition to non-jet operations since the mid-1990s.

Training and Accommodation

RAF Honington provides modern Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for single and transient personnel, featuring en-suite rooms with double beds, wardrobes for military and personal items, and shared facilities designed to support daily operational needs. Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is available for married personnel, including two- to three-bedroom houses located just outside the station, with assistance from a dedicated Service Community Support Officer for allocations and maintenance. These accommodations cater to permanent staff and transients from units, emphasizing comfort and efficiency in a limited-space environment. The station's training areas include live-fire ranges for weapons proficiency and exercise grounds for and tactical drills, supporting Phase 2 trade training for personnel. Simulation centers feature systems, such as Project READY GUNNER ONE, which enhances tactical instruction through immersive scenarios introduced in , and a Dismounted Close Combat Trainer for exercises on a virtual training range. Post-2000 developments have integrated these technologies to complement live training, with the Facility—a sustainable with solar panels—unveiled in December 2024 to improve environmental efficiency. Support facilities at RAF Honington encompass a 24/7 gymnasium with a fitness suite, indoor pitches, and personal training areas accessible to service personnel, dependents, contractors, and civil servants. The medical and dental centers serve RAF personnel exclusively, providing routine and emergency care. A Chaplaincy Centre in Building 37 and the nearby St Edmunds Church offer spiritual support. In 2025, welfare enhancements included renovations to the Astro Pitch and Area in , creating a comprehensive fitness environment, alongside a community center, HIVE information hub, childcare services, and a shop for daily needs. Dining facilities center on the Meiktila Mess, a £5 million junior ranks dining hall opened in 2010, capable of serving up to 1,200 meals per sitting in its large, split dining area with disabled access. Complementary leisure options include Busby's Bar and TG’s Coffee Lounge in the former Airman's Mess area, with scheduled evening openings, and outdoor sports fields such as football pitches and courts to promote physical recreation among residents.

Heritage

Station Badge and Motto

The official badge of RAF Honington was granted by Queen Elizabeth II in June 1956. It features a representation of the crowned head of St. Edmund proper, set in front of two in with points downwards. The design draws on local heritage, as the station is located near , where St. Edmund is the ; the arrows symbolize his martyrdom by Danish invaders in 869 AD. The station's motto, Pro Anglia Valens, translates from Latin as "Valiant for England" and underscores the base's commitment to national defense. It was adopted alongside in 1956 to reflect the station's role in aerial protection and readiness. While formal station badges were not yet universal during , with many stations like Honington relying on squadron-specific emblems for identification, Honington's official badge was granted post-war in 1956. The current badge has been in continuous use since its adoption, appearing on personnel uniforms, official stationery, and station documentation, particularly following Honington's designation as the primary training base in the 1990s. In ceremonial contexts, the badge and hold significant symbolic value, often invoked during station parades and leadership transitions to honor tradition and resolve. For instance, during station parades and leadership transitions such as the July 2025 from Max Hayward to Mark Hinde. It was explicitly referenced in the 2023 handover to emphasize the station's enduring valor.

Historical Sites and Memorials

The RAF Honington History Rooms, opened in March 2025, serve as a dedicated preserving the station's heritage through exhibits spanning 1937 to 1994. These rooms feature squadron artifacts, such as models and equipment from past units, alongside personal stories from personnel who served at the base, including photographs, letters, and oral histories that highlight individual contributions during key conflicts. Several memorials on the site commemorate American and Allied forces that operated from Honington. A prominent bronze plaque in the station entrance honors the 364th Fighter Group of the USAAF, which was based there from April 1944 to 1945, depicting the group's insignia alongside outlines of P-51 Mustang and P-38 Lightning aircraft and listing the unit's achievements, including 342 missions and 455 enemy aircraft destroyed. Additionally, a monument in the memorial garden marks the service of No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF, formed at Honington in July 1940 and operational there until late that year, featuring a linden tree planted with a plaque recognizing the 273 members who served and the squadron's role in bomber operations against Axis targets. The station's built heritage includes preserved structures from its founding era, such as two Pickett-Hamilton forts—retractable defensive pillboxes installed at the airfield in late —which are designated as a for their rarity and historical significance in pre-war air defense. The officers' mess, constructed in 1937 as part of the original bomber station layout, retains period features like its brick architecture and internal fittings, contributing to the site's recognition under heritage protections, while the commemorative garden, built from rubble of the wartime operations center, features remembrance walls and plantings symbolizing the station's role in the 1940 air campaign. Public access to these historical sites is managed due to the base's active status, with visits to the History Rooms and related memorials available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through pre-registration via the Heritage Centre, which coordinates tours and requires photographic ID at the main gate. Annual open days, typically held in summer, provide broader opportunities for guided exploration of the memorials and garden without prior booking.

Former Units

World War II Squadrons

During , RAF Honington served as a key base for several bomber squadrons. No. 9 Squadron was stationed there from 1937 to 1942, initially equipped with medium bombers before transitioning to heavy bombers in 1941; the squadron participated in early raids, including one of the RAF's first bombing missions on September 4, 1939, targeting German naval installations. No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron, the RAF's only unit manned entirely by Czechoslovak personnel, formed at Honington on July 29, 1940, and operated bombers until relocating in 1942; it flew coastal and anti-shipping missions, suffering heavy losses with 273 members killed during the war. In September 1942, the station was transferred to the , which established the 1st Strategic Air Depot to handle major overhauls, repairs, and modifications of B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and other aircraft in support of operations; the depot remained active until 1944, processing hundreds of damaged planes returning from missions over . Later, from February 1944 to May 1945, the 364th Fighter Group operated from Honington with fighters initially, converting to aircraft by late 1944; the group flew over 340 missions, providing escort for bombers and conducting ground attacks, while sharing the airfield with the ongoing depot activities. Detachments from No. 214 Squadron, equipped with Wellingtons, were temporarily based at Honington during the for operational trials, including early experiments related to electronic warfare countermeasures as part of broader Bomber Command efforts. All WWII units had departed Honington by early 1946, with the station returning to RAF control; at its peak, the base supported approximately 3,000 personnel, reflecting its role as a major maintenance and operational hub. These squadrons played a vital role in the Allied campaign and air superiority efforts against .

Cold War Squadrons

During the era from 1946 to 1994, RAF Honington hosted a variety of squadrons that played crucial roles in Britain's and air refueling capabilities, as well as ground defense. The base transitioned from light bomber operations with English Electric Canberras to heavy strategic bombers like the and , supporting the UK's nuclear deterrent through the V-bomber force. Honington's squadrons contributed to deterrence by maintaining readiness for strategic strikes, with aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons such as the Yellow Sun bomb. In 1955, Honington became home to a Canberra Wing comprising Nos. 10, 15, 44, and 57 Squadrons, equipped with B.2 and B.6 bombers for tactical and strategic light bombing missions. Nos. 15 and 57 Squadrons continued at the base into the late , transitioning to Victor B.1 and B.1A in 1959–1960 as part of the V-force; No. 57 Squadron reformed specifically at Honington on 1 January 1959 as the RAF's first Victor-equipped unit. No. 15 Squadron operated Victors from Honington until December 1965, when it relocated to for conversion to the tanker role. Similarly, No. 55 Squadron formed at Honington in 1960 with Victors before moving to Marham in 1965. No. 57 Squadron disbanded at Honington in 1982. Earlier, No. 7 Squadron operated Vickers Valiants from 1956 to 1962 as part of the V-bomber . From 1969, RAF Honington hosted the RAF Wing, equipped with Hawker Siddeley S.2 strike aircraft for low-level maritime attack and roles. No. 12 Squadron formed the first unit in October 1969 and remained until 1980. No. 15 Squadron briefly reformed with in 1970 before moving to in 1971. Nos. 16, 208, and 216 Squadrons also operated from Honington in the 1970s, with No. 16 moving to Laarbruch in 1971 and the others relocating to by 1984. No. 237 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) was established at Honington on 1 March 1971 to provide pilot and crew training for the , operating until its disbandment on 1 October 1991. In the early 1980s, Honington shifted to Panavia Tornado GR1 multi-role aircraft. No. 9 Squadron reformed at Honington on 1 June 1982 as the world's first operational Tornado squadron, conducting low-level strike training before relocating to RAF Brüggen in Germany in 1986. Non-flying units included elements of the RAF Regiment, with the base serving as a key depot from the 1950s for training and administration; this evolved into operational squadrons by the 1980s, including the formation of No. 2623 (City of Cambridge) Squadron RAuxAF Regiment in 1979 specifically to provide ground defense for Honington against potential threats. The squadron, equipped for airfield protection, operated until its disbandment in 1994 amid post-Cold War force reductions; it was re-formed in 1995 as a training squadron (see "Based Units"). By 1994, all front-line flying squadrons had relocated to other bases such as , , and RAF Brüggen, reflecting the drawdown of V-bomber and assets and the integration of operations into RAF . Over the period, more than 15 squadrons, including the and V-bomber wings, units, the formation, the OCU, and Regiment squadrons, were based at Honington, underscoring its importance in air power.

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