Wing (military unit)

In military aviation, a wing is a unit of command. In most military aviation services, a wing is a relatively large formation of planes. In Commonwealth countries a wing usually comprises three squadrons, with several wings forming a group (around 10 squadrons). Each squadron will contain around 20 planes.

Organizational structure of flying units in selected NATO countries, by relative size
Size
Group[1]
British and
USN
USAF and
USMC
USSF Canadian[2] French AAE German Air Force Italian Air Force NATO Rank level[3]
of general or
commanding officer
÷ Air division
(no longer used)
÷ Air division
Division aérienne
÷ Luftwaffendivision
(no longer used)
Divisione aerea OF-7
Group Wing Delta (OF-5) Group[4]
Groupe aérien
(no longer used)
Brigade Aérienne ÷ Brigata aerea OF-5, or OF-6
Wing Group Wing
Escadre
Escadre Geschwader[5] (OF-5) Stormo OF-4, OF-5, or OF-6
Squadron Squadron Squadron (OF-4) Squadron
Escadron
Escadron Gruppe (OF-4) Gruppo OF-3 or OF-4
Flight Flight ÷ Flight
Escadrille
Escadrille Staffel[6] (OF-3) Squadriglia OF-2 or OF-3
Flight Element/Section Section Section Schwarm[7] / Kette sezione OF-1 or OF-2
  1. ^ APP-6D NATO Joint Military Symbology. NATO Standardization Office. October 2017. pp. B-1–B-2.
  2. ^ APP-6D B-6
  3. ^ APP-6D B-1 - B-2
  4. ^ Royal Canadian Air Force. "Air Command Groups (1975-2011)". Royal Canadian Air Force Webpage. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  5. ^ APP-6D B-8
  6. ^ APP-6D B-8
  7. ^ APP-6D B-8