ACM Sir Rich Knighton

I’m delighted to welcome over 50 Air & Space Chiefs to the #GlobalAirSpaceChiefs Conference today, partnering with @airpowerassn. Integration & collaboration underpin our collective defence & are more vital than ever. I look forward to some insightful discussion.

Developing talent is a top RAF priority. Recently, I visited the Defence School of Logistics & Administration to meet trainees from Logistics & People Ops. Enablers are vital, the RAF can’t protect the skies without them. Honoured to present awards recognising their impact.

This is a profound step for UK Defence. The threat we face is more serious than at any time since the Cold War. Equipping the RAF with F-35A jets demonstrates our unshakable commitment to NATO, and further deters those who would do the UK and our allies harm.

Great to be at #RIAT 2025. A fantastic showcase of @RoyalAirForce and allied air power, precision & professionalism. Thanks to the brilliant team who make it happen. RIAT is a rare opportunity to give the public a glimpse behind the scenes of who & what protect our skies.

GCAP is the most innovative combat air initiative in decades and the heart of our future combat air capability. Good to discuss it with Chiefs of @ItalianAirForce & @JASDF_PAO_ENG. Interoperability between our great nations ensures the safety & security of future generations.

Great to welcome UK Astronaut @astro_timpeake to the interactive GCAP demonstration table today at #RIAT 2025. With thanks to @Leonardo_live contribution to GCAP. The table shows how having the technological advantage can impact on situational awareness in the battle space.

That’s a wrap on #GlobalAirSpaceChiefs Conference 2025. With insightful talks on space, autonomy, and modern conflict. Thanks to all the Chiefs, industry experts and academics for your contributions, and to our partners @airpowerassn.

The @ChiefofAirStaff delivered his keynote at the #GlobalAirSpaceChiefs Conference this morning. Addressing the past, present, and future ways we integrate air and space power to maximise control of the battlespace.

I am absolutely delighted that Air Marshal Harv Smyth has been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff, and I have every confidence that he will lead the Royal Air Force brilliantly and make sure we are ready to fly and fight. x.com/RoyalAirForce/…

Privileged to attend RAF Halton Apprentices' Association Trenchard Legacy Unveiling & Reunion @Nat_Mem_Arb. A powerful reminder of our Service roots & times we've served through. Always an honour to meet & celebrate with retired and serving RAF personnel, thank you all.

Honoured to be in Berlin to meet Lt Gen Neumann, the new Chief of @Team_Luftwaffe. As NATO allies, we’re committed to joint security, Trinity House agreement & staying ready to fly & fight. I look forward to hosting him at the Global Air & Space Conference x.com/GermanyNATO/st…

Great to be at RAF Brize Norton yesterday, meeting the exceptional people who work tirelessly and professionally to serve our country and all of those who live here. I am proud of Stn Cdr Lou and the team and what they do every single day. What they do, and what we do, matters.

Proud to have attended Saturday’s Armed Forces Day event. I’ve served for many years, and I know how vital it is, now more than ever that our personnel are recognised and valued. In an uncertain world, celebrating their commitment and sacrifice is an honour. #ArmedForcesDay

It is an immense honour to be appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff and to have the privilege of leading our fantastic Armed Forces in protecting the UK, our allies and our interests around the world.

As part of @windsorleaders 30th anniversary, I joined their Question Time on 'Leading in these uncertain times'. The @RoyalAirForce strives to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow and I was proud to represent the RAF here today.

I enjoyed meeting the most recent graduates of the RAF LEAD (Leadership, Exploration and Development) programme. This is a challenging 12-month course, completed alongside current roles for personnel to gain leadership capability. Congratulations LEAD graduates!

I participated in a @RUSI_org Land Conference panel with my military counterparts from the Army, Navy and StratCom, hosted by Paul O’Neill from RUSI. With the announcement of the SDR, an integrated force has never been more vital to ensure we are always ready to fly and fight.

The Beyond the Blue series showcases some of the vital roles that our people do and why the @RoyalAirForce is #NoOrdinaryJob.

I visited Operation Chessman in Poland on Friday. RAF Typhoons are flying alongside Swedish Air Force Gripen conducting vital NATO air policing missions. It’s a powerful demonstration of the strength of our alliance and the critical role it plays in deterring our adversaries.

Yesterday, I visited @78SqnSwanwick, a vital part of the Air Command & Control Force within RAF Global Enablement. The dedicated team manage Air Traffic, Airspace Management, & Air Defence sections - all vital to the RAF. Their work with @NATS ensure safe skies over the UK.