Air Commodore Jamie Thompson CBE RAF

Deputy Commander United Kingdom Space Command

Air Commodore Thompson joined the RAF as a Weapons Technician in 1997 and following completion of training, he was assigned to 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron and 20 (R) Squadron working on the Harrier GR7. Commissioned in 2003 he has served in Air Defence, Air Land Integration and Cyber Communications appointments. Following completion of Officer Training he was assigned to Number 1 Air Control Centre where he was responsible for the engineering support and deployment of the Type 101 Air Defence Radar. As an Operations Officer on exchange with the Royal Signals he deployed with the Spearhead Land Element during crisis operations in the Levant and as a Battle Captain on Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Squadron command was undertaken with 2 (Field Communications) Squadron, Tactical Communications Wing, where he returned to Afghanistan and supported global crisis operations. On the Staff he has held SO1 appointments in PJHQ and MOD A Block, alongside broader appointments across Government. Employed on wider Defence activity he has undertaken an exchange assignment with the US Department of Defence and been seconded to several UK Partner Agencies. Operational planning in MOD and PJHQ has been balanced against command appointments at every level and across multiple operations. He is a graduate of the Canadian Forces Joint Command & Staff Program and has held command of NATO Communication Information Agency Forces in the UK. Time in MOD has been spent as the Deputy Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff, with the responsibility for defence engagement, NATO and UN portfolios and international relations. As Commander RAF Global Enablement he was responsible for six forces and over 8000 personnel who provided the protection, sustainment, and command & control for global Air operations. This appointment followed his 1* command of the RAF Regiment and RAF Police as the FP Force Commander. He was appointed Deputy Commander of UK Space Command in December 2024. Air Commodore Thompson is the President of RAF Field Gun and the RAF eSports Association. As Director of RAF Community Rugby, he is focused on growing the community game and enjoys his time as a Trustee of the RAF Rugby Union Charity. As the Lead Advocate for RAF Diversity Allies, he champions diversity across the RAF community.