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Air Force: Reserve Forces

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 18 October 2025UIN 79418

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in increasing RAF reserves by 50%.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

The RAF continues to make positive progress toward increasing its Reserves by 50% by focusing on recruitment activity, structural reform and strategic alignment. The RAF is prioritising the growth of the Part Time Volunteer Reserves, who are the reserve of first choice for operational support, while also enhancing the management and training of the Strategic Reserve to maximise the skills and experience of ex-Regular personnel.

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