Northern Ireland-born Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed next head of RAF

Air Marshal Harv Smyth

Air Marshal Harv Smyth, originally from Northern Ireland, has been confirmed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, set to take over from Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.

In a historic appointment, His Majesty The King has approved the recommendation by Defence Secretary John Healey MP to appoint Air Marshal Harv Smyth as the next Chief of the Air Staff.

This promotion makes Smyth — a proud native of Lurgan, County Armagh — the head of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during a pivotal period of transformation for UK defence strategy.

Smyth, who joined the RAF in 1991 as a direct entrant, brings a wealth of operational experience to the role, having spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor. His career has seen him fly hundreds of missions across Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, both from land bases and aircraft carriers.

Currently serving as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Operations, Air Marshal Smyth will officially assume leadership of the RAF in August 2025, following the departure of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, who will become Chief of the Defence Staff in September.

A Northern Ireland leader for a new RAF era

Air Marshal Smyth’s appointment underscores the important role Northern Ireland continues to play in UK defence leadership.

In his official statement, Smyth said:

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. The Strategic Defence Review makes clear the need for us to rapidly evolve and modernise to meet current and future threats and I am enormously proud to lead the Service at such a crucial point in our history.”

He added:

“I share in [Sir Rich Knighton’s] unwavering support for our people and am delighted to have this opportunity to lead our Whole Force as we deliver outstanding Air and Space Power for the UK and NATO.”

The RAF is currently active in a range of operations worldwide, including combating Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria (Operation SHADER), deploying Typhoon squadrons in Qatar, and supporting NATO Enhanced Air Policing missions in Eastern Europe to deter Russian aggression.

Praise from Defence Secretary and outgoing Chief

Defence Secretary John Healey paid tribute to both incoming and outgoing Chiefs:

“I warmly congratulate Air Marshal Harv Smyth on his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff. He has outstanding credentials to lead the RAF in a crucial period of transformation for the force.

“I would also like to recognise Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton’s superb leadership of the RAF over the last two years… I know he and Air Marshal Smyth will work together to deliver a landmark shift in our deterrence and defence.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton added:

“I am absolutely delighted that Air Marshal Harv Smyth has been selected… I have every confidence that he will lead the Royal Air Force brilliantly and make sure we are ready to fly and fight.”

This transition comes as the UK implements its Strategic Defence Review and commits to new strategic capabilities, including the acquisition of 12 F-35A fighter jets and deeper participation in NATO’s nuclear mission.

With deep roots in Northern Ireland and a clear vision for the future, Air Marshal Smyth is set to guide the RAF through an era of global instability, modernisation, and rapid technological evolution.