The head of the Royal Air Force, Sir Richard Knighton, is expected to be appointed the UK’s next Chief of the Defence Staff, making him the most senior officer in Britain’s Armed Forces, government sources have confirmed.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is understood to have selected Knighton to succeed Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who has served in the post since 2021. While no official announcement has been made, colleagues have been informed of the decision, with confirmation from Downing Street anticipated within days.
Knighton’s appointment would mark a historic moment: he would become the first non-pilot to lead the British military and only the second officer from the RAF to hold the top job since its creation.
Trusted “Money Man” with Technical Background
Aged 56, Knighton is widely known in defence circles as the “money man”, praised for his financial acumen and ability to drive reform. An aerospace engineer by training, he lacks the traditional combat command background of many predecessors but has built a reputation for strategic thinking, calm leadership, and effective management.
He previously served as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Financial and Military Capability, and played a critical role in modernising RAF personnel structures. His operational experience includes a deployment to Italy during the Kosovo campaign.
“He understands how defence works at every level, including Whitehall and the Treasury,” said one senior defence official. “He gets results without the noise.”
Key Decision at a Crucial Time
Knighton’s anticipated appointment comes amid increasing political and public focus on defence readiness and spending. The government has committed to raising defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a longer-term goal of reaching 3% by 2034.
He was chosen from a shortlist that included:
- General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, known for his extensive frontline experience and strategic vision.
- General Dame Sharon Nesmith, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, the first woman to be seriously considered for the post.
- General Sir Jim Hockenhull, head of Strategic Command.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, the former First Sea Lord, withdrew from consideration following a misconduct investigation linked to an alleged affair with a junior officer.
Despite calls to open the selection to external candidates with military backgrounds, ministers chose to promote from within, favouring institutional continuity and internal expertise.
Formal Announcement Expected Soon
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence declined to confirm the reports, stating only:
“This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.”
If confirmed, Knighton will take command of the British Armed Forces at a pivotal moment, as defence policy adapts to a changing global threat landscape, renewed focus on technological capability, and growing fiscal pressures.
