The United Kingdom is preparing to appoint Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton as the next Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), replacing Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who has held the role since November 2021. According to multiple reports, an official announcement is expected shortly, pending completion of royal procedures.
Sir Richard Knighton, currently serving as Chief of the Air Staff since June 2023, is widely recognised for his engineering background and financial acumen within the defence sector—earning him the nickname “the money man.” His selection comes amid Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to enhance the UK’s defence posture, declaring the need to make the country “war-ready” in response to growing threats from Russia and China.
As part of this shift, the UK government announced a defence spending target of 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with the ambition to reach 3% over the next parliamentary term. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is reportedly advocating for a more ambitious target of 3.5%, plus an additional 1.5% for related strategic capabilities.
Should his appointment be confirmed, Sir Richard would become the UK’s most senior military officer at a pivotal time for defence reform and strategic reorientation.
By Kateřina Urbanova
Photo credit: MOD UK
