The Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies (RAF CAPS) has recently developed its criteria in line with the RAF’s future air and space power capabilities. During his closing address at the RAF’s Air Power Conference 2018, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, announced that the Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies would henceforth be known as the ‘Royal Air Force Centre for Air and Space Power Studies (RAF CASPS)’.
This development recognises the leadership role in Space Command and Control that the Secretary of State for Defence has given the RAF on behalf of UK Defence. The rebranding of RAF CAPS to RAF CASPS therefore aligns more closely the Service’s conceptual component of fighting power with evolving UK Air and Space Power doctrine. This important step recognises the conceptual shifts already underway and the need to put innovation at the heart of everything the RAF does. Such an approach is vital if the RAF is to maintain its decisive edge and proud reputation for operational success as it emerges as a fully-fledged next generation air force.
"It is absolutely appropriate that our organisation reflects the RAF’s new responsibilities in the space domain, and I’m delighted that the Chief of the Air Staff announced the change in our title to the RAF Centre for Air and Space Power Studies at the Air Power Conference. This provides a real intellectual focus for all of our Service’s responsibilities as we continue to ‘think to win’, and there are opportunities for Servicemen and Women at all ranks to add to our intellectual capital through the Chief of the Air Staff’s Fellowship Scheme."
Group Captain James Beldon
Director of Defence Studies
To find out more, and see details of the CAS’ Fellowship Scheme, head over to RAF CASPS