THE UNIT

Astra is driving an RAF that thrives on innovation, challenges the status quo, and is committed to continuous improvement.

Astra is fostering a mindset of innovation that engages and inspires personnel at all levels. This approach aims to unleash the creativity and ingenuity of our people, enabling meaningful changes across the RAF, including solutions to operational challenges.

To succeed in a rapidly changing world, the RAF must be prepared to confront future threats, especially as technology advances. Our ability to think differently, question the norm, and embrace innovation will be crucial to our future success.

"Ad Astra or To The Stars"

Connect with Astra

WHAT WE DO

Astra encourages our people to collaborate challenge, be innovative, and make the most of their skills and opportunities to develop by harnessing the skills and creativity of the whole force. This includes Service Personnel, Civil Servants, Contractors and Industry Partners.

One of our greatest legacies to our successors is the innovative mindset that Astra is creating. It is this that will enable the Royal Air Force of the future to operate, fight and win within the battlespace of the future. 

Hear InsideAIR explore topics from the Astra Tech Exposure Day 2021; including the future of RAF stations, Virtual Reality, improving fire-fighting training, and technology at the RAF Officer Training Academy.

Air Officer Commanding

Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall

Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall took responsibility for Astra in June 2024. 

After graduating from the University of Nottingham with a Law degree, she joined the Royal Air Force as a Navigator in 1994. While flying on the Tornado F3, she participated in numerous operational deployments and many overseas, multi-national training exercises.

Previous command appointments have included Commandant of the Royal Air Force College and Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group, where she also had responsibility for units implementing grassroots innovation initiatives at a local level. She was appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff in June 2024, where she took responsibility for Astra.

Her experience working in operational command and control, with coalition partners, and in staff appointments, supports the delivery of the RAF's approach to grassroots innovation.