Grassroots innovators have been recognised for ideas that are saving time and money, improving safety, and strengthening operational capability for the Royal Air Force.
The Astra Awards 2026, held at RAF Cosford, celebrate the people and teams turning everyday challenges into practical improvements across the Royal Air Force. The event brought together RAF personnel, senior leaders, industry, and international partners to showcase grassroots innovation taking place across the Service.
The Award Winners
Astra Network Award, supported by Wazoku
Winners: Sergeant Brian and Corporal Alex, RAF Lossiemouth
Sgt Brian and Cpl Alex were recognised as role models for grassroots innovation. Together they have developed and maintained station PowerApps, recruited specialist volunteers to support grassroots innovation, and used 3D printing to solve local problems at RAF Lossiemouth. They have also briefed around 1,000 personnel about grassroots innovation, enhancing the innovative mindset that is enabling the station to continually deliver positive change.
Their work has streamlined everyday activities, supported projected savings and improved operational output, while encouraging others to use their own skills to make a difference.
Astra Impact Award, supported by ESS
Winner: Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) Sam, RAF Lossiemouth
AS1(T) Sam was recognised for using 3D printing to develop solutions to problems where equipment was unavailable, expensive to replace, or could not be supplied quickly enough.
His support equipment has improved Typhoon maintenance and the use of medical equipment at RAF Lossiemouth. The work has delivered immediate financial savings and identified up to £3 million in potential future cost avoidance, while improving spares availability and making medical workflows more efficient.
Astra Contribution to Operations Award, supported by Airbus
Winner: Corporal Dan, Royal Logistic Corps, RAF Brize Norton
Cpl Dan works for 47 Air Despatch Squadron, Royal Logistic Corps, and has developed a virtual reality training package that enables Atlas A400M air despatch personnel to conduct realistic training without the need for a live aircraft.
Developed using his own initiative and self-taught skills, Project PERSEUS is supporting enhanced operational readiness for 47 AD Squadron and RAF Brize Norton. It enables personnel to interact with aircraft equipment, rehearse procedures, and practice critical emergency drills in a safe, repeatable way. This includes drills that cannot safely be practised on a live aircraft, reducing operational risk and ensuring our personnel remain ready for all operational activities.
Astra Unit Award, supported by BAE Systems Ltd
Winner: RAF Brize Norton
RAF Brize Norton was recognised for embedding grassroots innovation into everyday station activity.
Its Astra personnel on unit have encouraged the whole force to challenge existing processes, share ideas, and develop practical improvements. This has helped increase efficiency and collaboration while developing a growing network of innovators across the busy frontline station.
RAF Whole Force Award
Winner: Air Specialist Class 1 Adela, RAF Odiham
Chosen by the RAF Whole Force following hundreds of votes, AS1 Adela was recognised for her contribution to grassroots innovation at RAF Odiham.
She has consistently delivered above and beyond; leading innovation projects, developing forums, and preparing business cases for innovative activities. Alongside delivering Project MILLIPORE, she has encouraged junior ranks to become involved in innovation through a continuous improvement forum, improving processes and widening participation in grassroots innovation on the unit.
Chief of the Air Staff’s Award: the Lord Beaverbrook Sword for Innovation
Winner: Ian and Skylark
Chosen personally by the Chief of the Air Staff, Ian was awarded the Lord Beaverbrook Sword for Innovation for his work on Skylark. The project was recognised for helping to reduce a significant risk and for its wider potential to support future operational requirements.
Skylark was developed by Ian using his extensive experience in air traffic control. It integrates real-time detection data and display of drone activities alongside other available data sources to deliver a rich, comprehensive air picture. This has significantly enhanced operational safety and situational awareness for military and civilian airspace users.
Ian’s initiative, Skylark, is now being rolled out to units across the RAF through the Rapid Capabilities Office and 2 Group. The project has already established the capability on operational units to provide improved situational awareness. It is being developed further to enhance resilience while generating evidence to inform future programmes. Ian was unable to attend the event so his award was accepted by his Station Commander, who will arrange a formal presentation in due course.
The Lord Beaverbrook Sword for Innovation was presented for the first time following the kind donation by Lord Beaverbrook through 601 Squadron. It now forms the prestigious annual award for innovation for the RAF. The sword is accompanied by a poignard which is kept by the winner. The poignard was presented on the evening, with the spectacular sword being presented at a later date. It is pictured below alongside the other trophies presented at the Astra Awards.
Grassroots ideas delivering real change
The awards formed part of an evening of networking and innovation showcases at RAF Cosford. Projects on display included work using drones, 3D scanning and advanced manufacturing alongside new approaches to solving everyday problems across the RAF. The event was expertly compered by Mr Peter Dickson, who ignited enthusiasm throughout the room with his instantly recognisable voice and inimitable style.
The award winners demonstrate a simple principle behind Astra: innovation does not always require a major programme or expensive new technology. It can start with personnel identifying a problem and using their knowledge, experience, and skills to find a better way of doing things. Across the 2026 awards, that approach is delivering tangible results, from reducing costs and administrative burden to improving equipment availability, air safety and operational capability.
Industry also plays an important role in supporting the RAF’s grassroots innovation community. The Astra Awards 2026 were supported by industry partners Airbus, ESS, BAE Systems Ltd, Boxxe, Akhter Computers Ltd, PA Consulting, and Wazoku.
