The RAF Air Cadets celebrated a landmark occasion on the evening of Monday 20 October 2025 with the official opening of 72 (Enniskillen) Detached Flight, the first new RAF Air Cadet unit to be established in Northern Ireland in many years. The new unit was officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Fermanagh, The Viscount Brookeborough KG KStJ DL.
The creation of the new Detached Flight represents a major step forward in the continued growth and development of the RAF Air Cadets across Northern Ireland, providing young people in the Enniskillen area with access to a unique blend of adventure, skills, and opportunities inspired by aviation and aerospace. The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the Royal Air Force, the RAF Air Cadets, and local dignitaries, marking a proud moment for both the community and the organisation.
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC ADC, Air Officer Northern Ireland, said:
"I am delighted that we are opening a RAF Air Cadet Detached Flight in Enniskillen. This is a clear indication of the demand by young people to join the RAF Air Cadets here in Northern Ireland. We have ambitious plans to grow our footprint and offer the unique opportunities that the RAF Air Cadets provides young people in Northern Ireland who have an interest, and I hope passion, for STEM, aerospace, and space and possibly a future career in the RAF. As always, I am incredibly grateful to the team of adult volunteers without whom this couldn’t happen. I hope this will be the first of many new RAF Air Cadet units in Northern Ireland as we continue to grow and spread our wings."
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds
Air Officer Northern Ireland
Group Captain Sohail Khan, Regional Commandant, Scotland and Northern Ireland Region RAF Air Cadets, added:
"The opening of 72 (Enniskillen) Detached Flight is a milestone moment for the RAF Air Cadets in Northern Ireland. It stands as a symbol of the Region’s progress, resilience, and commitment to providing young people with exceptional opportunities for development, adventure, and leadership. I am immensely proud of the dedication of our volunteers and the enthusiasm of the local community who have made this possible, particularly the staff at 72 (Omagh) Squadron, who were instrumental in getting the new Detached Flight up and running just over a year ago."
Group Captain Sohail Khan
Regional Commandant - Scotland and NI
The new unit will provide cadets aged 12 to 20 the chance to experience flying, gliding, fieldcraft, shooting, leadership training, STEM engagement and much more. With growing interest and demand across Northern Ireland and the wider Region, the establishment of 72 (Enniskillen) Detached Flight marks not just a new beginning for local cadets, but a clear signal of the organisation’s long-term ambition to expand and inspire the next generation of young leaders across the Region.
The enthusiasm of young people keen to participate, the commitment of adult volunteers who give their time and expertise, and the encouragement of families and community partners together have ensured that the Detached Flight was able to stand-up, and it stands as a testament to the shared dedication to supporting and investing in the future of young people in Northern Ireland.