Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, currently the head of the Royal Air Force (RAF), is set to become the United Kingdom’s next professional head of the armed forces, according to senior defence sources. The appointment, expected to be confirmed shortly by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s office, marks a significant shift in the UK’s military leadership during a period of major strategic overhaul.
Knighton, 56, is poised to replace Admiral Sir Tony Radakin as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), becoming the first career engineer and non-combat pilot to hold the UK’s top military post. Known in defence circles as the “money guy” for his expertise in financial management and reform, Knighton is widely seen as a pragmatic and strategic leader at a time when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is navigating its most ambitious transformation in decades.
Knighton’s expected appointment comes on the heels of the UK’s newly released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which outlines a vision for making the British Army “ten times more lethal” and positioning the armed forces to better respond to modern threats, including cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and strategic deterrence. The role will require Knighton to implement sweeping reforms and manage complex financial challenges, as the government prepares to reshape the military without yet confirming new defence spending levels.
Unlike many of his predecessors, Knighton brings to the role a deep background in defence policy and personnel reform rather than extensive combat experience. His sole operational tour was as a senior engineer during the Kosovo campaign. Nevertheless, his leadership of the RAF and proven ability to navigate bureaucratic and budgetary constraints have earned him respect across military and political lines. He is also known to be trusted within the UK Treasury, a key factor given the financial sensitivities surrounding defence planning.
“Richard is the right choice,” said one senior colleague. “He’s super smart, strategic, calm, and grounded. He knows how to get things done in defence better than anyone.”
Knighton edged out General Sir Roly Walker, the current head of the British Army and a decorated veteran with extensive operational credentials in Iraq and Afghanistan. Walker, known as the “ideas man,” made a notable impact on the latest SDR and is seen as a strong candidate for future leadership roles. Other contenders included General Dame Sharon Nesmith, the first woman to be considered for the CDS post, and General Sir Jim Hockenhull, head of Strategic Command.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, the former head of the Royal Navy, did not enter the race amid a misconduct investigation, adding to the significance of Knighton’s pending appointment.
As the UK continues to support Ukraine, advance the AUKUS submarine alliance, and modernize its military capabilities, Knighton will be tasked with unifying the armed forces and overseeing the next chapter of defence reform.
