Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton has formally taken over as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Ministry of Defence announced.
Radakin’s four-year tenure began in 2021 and saw him oversee the UK military response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, efforts to rally NATO support, the Strategic Defence Review earlier this year, and the armed forces’ role in the national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.
As CDS, Knighton becomes the professional head of the UK’s armed forces, strategic military commander, and principal adviser to the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary. His appointment also comes under new reforms that give the CDS direct command of the service chiefs and leadership of the Military Strategic Headquarters, which is responsible for force design and war planning.
Knighton moves into the role after serving as Chief of the Air Staff, where he directed Royal Air Force operations worldwide. “It is an honour to begin my role as Chief of the Defence Staff today. I will work tirelessly to combat the threats the UK faces whilst fulfilling the integral role the Armed Forces play in protecting our personnel, our allies and operations worldwide,” he said in a statement.
His appointment follows the government’s decision to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP from April 2027, with a longer-term ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
Defence Secretary John Healey welcomed the appointment in June, stating: “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.”
Knighton now takes on responsibility for shaping the integrated future of UK defence as he begins his term.
An outstanding pick, from an outstanding cadre. Sir Richard will make an exemplary CDS, I have no doubt in that whatsoever. Hopefully the UK Government can back him up with much needed funds for Defence innovation and inventory across all three Services.
Moxy
Good luck to the new CDS. Going to need it.
Good luck trying to persuade our dysfunctional politicians that with NK/ Iran/ China/ RU plotting their axis we should actually be growing our forces. All I see are cuts, cuts, cuts – some new kit but still cuts
I agree. The previous CDS (Radakin) did not understand the need for ‘mass’ especially not for the army.