This year we welcome Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton for his inaugural Chief of the Defence Staff lecture following his appointment in September.
The Chief of the Defence Staff Lecture is an established RUSI tradition, addressing the challenges facing the Armed Forces, as well as broader considerations of UK security.
Brought up in Derbyshire and educated at the local comprehensive school, Rich joined the Royal Air Force in 1988 as a University Cadet and studied Engineering at Clare College Cambridge. He spent his early career in frontline roles working on Nimrod Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Tornado and in several roles within the Harrier Force. He served as the Station Commander at Royal Air Force Wittering where he was also the RAF’s Logistics Force Commander.
Rich has held a range of staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence, Air Command and in acquisition and support. He has been closely involved in strategic and capability planning, including as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Military Capability in the Ministry of Defence and Deputy Commander Capability and People in the Royal Air Force.
As Chief of the Air Staff Rich was responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all aspects of Royal Air Force operations, people and capability. During his time as Chief of the Air Staff he led the RAF during the most intense period of operational demand on the Service for more than a decade, with the Royal Air Force operating alongside global allies including conducting air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, protecting NATO skies and supplying much-needed aid to Gaza and Ukraine.
He has completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course and attended the Royal College of Defence Studies and the UK Pinnacle Course. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers, holds an Honorary Doctorate from Derby University and is an Honorary Fellow of Clare College Cambridge. He is an ambassador for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Royal Air Forces Association. He was appointed to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath as a Commander (CB) in 2017 and as Knight Commander (KCB) in 2023.
On 27 June 2025 The Prime Minister announced that Sir Rich will be the next Chief of the Defence Staff from September 2025.
