Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton Named New Chief of the Air Staff
The Royal Air Force is set for a fresh chapter as Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB FREng is appointed Chief of the Air Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty, rising to the rank of Air Chief Marshal. The announcement, confirmed by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, marks a historic moment for the RAF.
Defence Secretary Backs Historic Appointment
Ben Wallace praised Sir Richard, highlighting his cutting-edge background and fresh perspective. “His previous roles have equipped him well to lead a modern, innovative, and diverse Service. As the first ground branch officer to command his Service, his appointment marks a new milestone for the Royal Air Force,” Wallace said.
Wallace added, “Under Air Marshal Sir Richard’s leadership, the RAF will be in excellent hands. He steps up during a crucial time as the Force evolves to tackle future threats while supporting UK security and global allies.”
He also saluted outgoing Chief Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston’s exceptional service, calling him “a leader who delivered a lean, effective, modernised force with phenomenal operational impact worldwide.”
Chief of Defence Staff Welcomes New Leader
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin echoed the excitement over the appointment. “I am very pleased to welcome Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton as the next Chief of the Air Staff. The first engineer to lead his Service, he is just the person to seize the extraordinary technological opportunities ahead for the RAF to become more lethal, agile, and extend reach into cyber and space,” Radakin remarked.
He praised Sir Mike Wigston’s tenure for sustaining intense operational tempos, protecting UK and NATO airspace, combating Daesh in Iraq and Syria, launching Space Command, and advancing the Global Combat Air Programme—“a legacy that shapes the RAF and UK aerospace for decades.”
Sir Richard Knighton on Taking Command
Sir Richard expressed deep pride and readiness to lead during turbulent times. “I am honoured to be appointed at such an important moment for the RAF. Air and Space power are critical to defending the UK, its interests, and allies. I look forward to building on the modernisation and operational success led by my predecessor,” he said.
He stressed the vital role of RAF personnel: “The RAF operates the most advanced capability in its history, but it’s the brilliant people at its heart that make the difference. I am enormously proud to lead them and will work tirelessly to support our ongoing modernisation and excellence.”
