His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Air Chief
Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng to take over from Admiral
Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC as the next Chief of the Defence Staff
with effect from September 2025.
Prime Minister said:
“Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton has led the Royal Air Force
to deliver on operations across the world, while championing a
culture of innovation and excellence, which is why I am certain
he will make an exceptional leader of our Armed Forces as Chief
of the Defence Staff.
“In such a rapidly changing global context, we need our Armed
Forces to be more lethal, better integrated and equipped for the
future as they keep our country safe, I know Rich will rise
to that challenge.
“I would like to thank Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his dedicated
service and exceptional advice and service to me as Prime
Minister, I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Defence Secretary MP said:
“I'm delighted to congratulate Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich
Knighton on his appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff.
“As Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton has led the RAF
with distinction through a period of intense demand, with NATO
operations, deployments to the Middle East and activity across
the world. As Chief of the Defence Staff, he will play a critical
role in delivering the transformation set out in the Strategic
Defence Review. And together, we will put the men and women of
our Armed Forces at the heart of our defence plans.
“I would like to thank Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his
distinguished service and counsel as Chief of the Defence Staff
through an unprecedented period - in particular, his unparalleled
leadership on Ukraine. I look forward to working with Air Chief
Marshal Rich over the coming years to make Britain secure at
home, and strong abroad.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:
“It is an honour to have been selected as the next Chief of the
Defence Staff. I am acutely conscious of the dangers we face and
the important role that the Armed Forces play in protecting the
UK, our allies and our interests around the world.
“It will be an immense privilege to lead the outstanding people
of our Armed Forces.
“I want to pay tribute to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his
exceptional work in leading the Armed Forces through the most
intense period of operational demand and strategic complexity,
and for his unstinting support for Ukraine. I look forward
to working with the Prime Minister, Secretary of State, Ministers
and fellow Chiefs to deliver the SDR and ensure our Armed Forces
are ready to fight and win.”
A biography of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton can be
found here.
