Across the RAF’s global footprint, Military Working Dogs (MWDs) operated by the RAF Police stand as a vital line of defence.
Loyal, intelligent, and highly trained assets who provide unique security capabilities that no technology or equipment can replicate or circumvent.
Whether deployed at home or overseas, the RAF’s specialist dogs serve as critical force multipliers in the protection of personnel, infrastructure, and critical assets enabling the RAF to Fly and Fight.
RAF Police Dogs secure key Air and Strategic Command sites worldwide, taking on a range of specialised duties.
Patrol Dogs are the mainstay and workhorse of the RAF Police MWD capability deterring, detecting and when required detaining those who threaten to damage assets or infrastructure and harm our personnel.
Unlike static infrastructure or passive surveillance systems, Patrol Dogs are dynamic assets that blend covert and overt patrol techniques to ensure persistent, unpredictable deterrence reducing the likelihood of intrusion before it even begins, forcing adversaries to reconsider their actions.
The reputation of a dog’s speed, agility, and unrelenting pursuit is a known and proven factor in influencing the behaviour of those contemplating unauthorised access.
RAF Police Dogs offer the same specialist capabilities as Home Office Police Force General Purpose dogs, able to track the precise route of an assailant and detect discarded property that may provide vital evidence. RAF
Police Dogs integrate seamlessly with Law Enforcement and Force Protection teams, providing scalable use-of-force options.
As a less-than-lethal deterrent, they not only discourage hostile intent but also deliver a decisive tactical advantage in high-risk situations.
Vehicle Search Dogs are an irreplaceable asset in searching cars, vans, and trucks entering MOD sites. They are also capable of searching aircraft and ships, providing a significantly enhanced detection capability that supports personnel in preventing prohibited items from entering Defence facilities.
Drugs Detection Dogs are a discreet yet vital element of the RAF’s proactive approach to enforcing service discipline.
Their role in preventing the misuse of controlled substances supports not only the legal responsibilities of RAF Police Law Enforcement but also the broader safeguarding of operational effectiveness and personnel wellbeing.
In addition to their duties on RAF stations, these specialist dogs contribute to the work of the Defence Serious Crime Unit, playing a quiet but powerful role in deterring and detecting criminal activity across the wider Defence community.
Arms and Explosives Search Dogs are among the most specialised assets in the RAF Police arsenal.
These dogs and their handlers provide the capability to search for hidden firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices across a wide range of environments— RAF Police Arms and Explosives Search (AES) teams have operated—and continue to operate—in theatres across the globe, denying hostile actors access to lethal aid and safeguarding personnel, infrastructure, and mission-critical assets in even the most hostile environments.
Their contribution is mission-critical in both force protection and counter-terrorism roles, reducing the threat to life and ensuring operations continue uninterrupted.
RAF Police MWD teams combine exceptional canine instinct, discipline, and intelligence with the skill and dedication of their handlers—delivering a security capability unmatched in its versatility, effectiveness, and deterrent power. RAF Police Dog handlers train tirelessly to ensure these dogs remain a trusted and indispensable part of the RAF’s enabling forces.
Whether it’s patrolling a Main Operating Base in the UK, searching a compound overseas, or working in partnership in the UK and overseas to promote UK security, RAF Police Dogs remain at the heart of the RAF’s ability to defend the skies of Britain and project Britain’s power and influence around the world.
The RAF Police remain at the forefront of Defence Security by continually optimising their Military Working Dog capability through rigorous assessment and annual testing. This dedication culminates at the prestigious RAFP MWD Trials, held at RAF Honington.
Bringing together the top 10 Patrol MWD teams, the Trials feature a week of demanding operational tests, culminating in the championship final on Thursday, 25 September 2025.
Alongside the main event, competitions like the RAF Benevolent Fund ‘McConnell Cup’ and awards for specialist roles celebrate excellence across the RAFP MWD capability, highlighting the exceptional skill and dedication of both handlers and dogs. RAFP MWD Trials not only highlight the exceptional skill and dedication of the teams but also serve as a vital developmental opportunity, pushing both handlers and dogs to new heights and ensuring the RAF Police remain at the forefront of operational capability.
