Air Marshal Tim Jones CBE
Biography
Born and educated in Scotland, Air Marshal Tim Jones CBE joined the RAF in 1995 as a pilot. He spent most of his operational career flying the Hercules C-130, including missions in Timor-Leste, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans and the Falkland Islands. He worked extensively with UK Airborne Forces, participating in operations and large-scale exercises, latterly as an instructor in tactical air mobility disciplines. In 2013, Jones served in the British Embassy Kabul in the Strategic Communications role for UK Forces. From 2016 until 2018, he commanded RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s main air mobility base. His most recent operational experience was in 2020 as Head of RAF operations in the Middle East.
In staff appointments, Jones has occupied roles concerned principally with the planning of future front-line capability. From 2007 onwards, he spent three tours in the Ministry of Defence and two tours in the RAF’s Headquarters conducting capability and resource planning. This included devising the RAF’s Strategic Workforce Plan during the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, and supporting the RAF’s participation in the 2021 Integrated Review. He was Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Capability and Force Design) during the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. A graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies, he also spent two years as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, in which he led on the RAF’s international engagement.
Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Force Development)
This role has been created by changes under the Defence Reform programme. Responsibilities will be updated in due course.