Latest news with #ChiefOfDefenceStaff
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RAF chief chosen to lead British armed forces
The head of the RAF has been confirmed as the new chief of Britain's armed forces. The Ministry of Defence announced on Friday that Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton will take over as Chief of the Defence Staff from September. As the professional head of the UK military, he will be responsible for delivering the strategic defence review published earlier this month, and takes up his post as the Government seeks to boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027. The strategic defence review also introduced a new, more powerful role for the Chief of the Defence Staff, placing him in formal command of the other service chiefs for the first time as head of a new Military Strategic Headquarters. Sir Richard, an RAF engineering officer, has served as Chief of the Air Staff since 2023 and previously served as deputy chief of the defence staff between 2019 and 2022. A Cambridge engineering graduate, he joined the RAF as a university cadet in 1988 and went on to serve as a senior engineering officer, station commander of RAF Wittering, in Cambridgeshire, and in a number of staff posts. He is reported to have been chosen ahead of the current head of the army, former Guards officer and director of special forces General Sir Roly Walker. Sir Keir Starmer said Sir Richard had championed 'a culture of innovation and excellence' while head of the RAF, adding: '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.' The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, thanking him for his 'dedicated service and exceptional advice'. Sir Tony has been Chief of the Defence Staff since 2021. Sir Richard also paid tribute to his predecessor and said it was 'an honour' to be chosen as the new Chief of the Defence Staff. He added: '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.'
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
RAF chief set to be new head of armed forces
The head of the RAF is set to be appointed as the new chief of the British armed forces, according to reports. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton is thought to be in line to be the next Chief of Defence Staff. The position is currently held by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who has been in the role since 2021. According to his biography on the Government website, Sir Richard joined the RAF in 1989 as a university cadet, and served as deputy chief of the defence staff from 2019 to 2022. The appointment comes as the Government has pledged to increase defence spending in the UK to 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence from April 2027, with a goal of increasing that to 3% over the next parliament, a timetable which could stretch to 2034. The Ministry of Defence said: 'This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.'
Telegraph
03-06-2025
- General
- Telegraph
RAF chief to be named as new head of Armed Forces
Sir Richard Knighton will be announced as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, The Telegraph understands. The current Chief of the Air Staff was interviewed alongside General Sir Roly Walker, the head of the Army, to become the new professional head of the British military. The Telegraph understands that the Prime Minister has selected Sir Richard to become the new Chief of the Defence Staff when Admiral Sir Tony Radakin stands down in the autumn. It is understood that Sir Roly, who has only been Chief of the General Staff for a year, 'interviewed well' but was not considered to have served in the role long enough to be promoted to the top chief position. Sir Richard, who as a non-pilot made history as the first engineer to hold the top job within the RAF, will take over as Chief of the Defence Staff later in the year. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: 'This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
India's Chief of Defence Staff on Jet Downing
General Anil Chauhan, India's Chief of Defence Staff speaks about the downing of Indian jets in the recent conflict with Pakistan. He was interviewed at the Shangri-La Dialogue meeting in Singapore by Bloomberg News' Haslinda Amin . Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
