Northern Ireland-born RAF chief marks service birthday with gift to Co Antrim aviation collection

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth speaks to those gathered to mark the special occasion at the the Ulster Aviation Society.

One of the world’s most iconic military aircraft has found a new home in Northern Ireland after the head of the Royal Air Force personally handed over a historic Harrier jump jet to the Ulster Aviation Society.

The landmark donation, made on 1 April to coincide with the RAF’s 108th birthday, sees the celebrated aircraft join one of Northern Ireland’s most remarkable aviation collections at the Society’s Maze site.

In a moment rich with both military and local significance, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth — who grew up in Lurgan and is now the most senior figure in the Royal Air Force — personally oversaw the handover.

The occasion carried added historic weight as Smyth is the first person from modern Northern Ireland to lead any of the UK’s Armed Forces.

A world-famous aircraft arrives in Northern Ireland

Speaking: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth

The Harrier is regarded as one of the most extraordinary aircraft ever built and remains one of the most recognisable jets in aviation history.

Famed around the world for its revolutionary engineering, it was once the only jet fighter capable of taking off and landing vertically — a breakthrough that made it a symbol of British aerospace innovation and military capability.

Its ability to operate from short runways, improvised airstrips and even aircraft carriers transformed air operations for decades.

For many readers across Northern Ireland, the arrival of such a globally significant aircraft at the Maze represents more than just an addition to a museum collection — it is a major boost for local heritage, tourism and public access to military history.

The aircraft has been secured through the RAF’s Heritage gifting programme, with Smyth playing a direct role in ensuring it became part of the Ulster Aviation Society’s display.

As a Patron of the Society, his involvement underscores both his personal connection to Northern Ireland and his continued support for preserving its aviation story.

A personal connection to the Harrier

The donation is particularly meaningful given Smyth’s own long association with the aircraft.

Before rising to the top of the Royal Air Force, he spent 15 years flying the Harrier, giving him a deeply personal connection to one of the RAF’s most legendary jets.

That experience was reflected in his remarks at the handover.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth happy to be home to mark the special occasion

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth said:

“The Ulster Aviation Society is a bright shining jewel in the crown of Northern Ireland, and I’m incredibly proud to be a small part of it.

“The Harrier was not simply a jet fighter — it was a machine that defied convention. There is no other aircraft like it in the world.”

The remarks capture both the prestige of the Society’s collection and the unique place the Harrier occupies in aviation history.

Major boost for the Ulster Aviation Society

For the Ulster Aviation Society, the arrival of the Harrier represents a major enhancement to what is already widely regarded as a world-class collection.

The Maze-based organisation has built a reputation for preserving significant military and civilian aircraft, drawing aviation enthusiasts and visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Ray Burrows Chairman of the Ulster Aviation Society

Chairman Ray Burrows described the addition as a major moment for the Society.

He said:

“We are thrilled to be able to add this Harrier to our world class collection and thank the RAF, and Air Chief Marshal Smyth, for making it happen.

“Harv promotes us, and Northern Ireland, every chance he gets; we couldn’t wish for a better Patron.”

The comments also highlight the wider civic importance of the gift, with Northern Ireland’s profile and heritage being promoted through the international prestige associated with the RAF and the Harrier name.

Birthday flypast marks the occasion

1(F) Sqn Typhoon over the UAS hangar at the Maze

The handover was marked in fitting style with a flypast from an RAF Typhoon jet of 1(Fighter) Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth.

The Squadron holds a unique place in Harrier history, having become the first in the world to operate the aircraft in 1969. It continued flying the Harrier until 2010 before reforming as a Typhoon Squadron in September 2012.

The flypast provided a powerful link between the aircraft’s operational legacy and the RAF of today, as the service marked its 108th birthday.

For Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth — who spent 15 years flying the Harrier before rising to become head of the Royal Air Force — the occasion also carried a personal significance, as one of the service’s most iconic aircraft took its place in Northern Ireland’s aviation heritage at the Ulster Aviation Society’s Maze site.

From Lurgan to the top of the RAF, and now back to the Maze with one of the most famous jets ever built, the moment is both symbolic and deeply local — a powerful reminder of Northern Ireland’s continuing place in national and military history.

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At a glance

• RAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth has gifted a historic Harrier jump jet to the Ulster Aviation Society

• The handover took place on 1 April, marking the RAF’s 108th birthday

• Smyth, who grew up in Lurgan, spent 15 years flying the Harrier

• He is the first person from modern Northern Ireland to lead any UK Armed Force

• The aircraft joins the Society’s renowned Maze collection

• An RAF Typhoon from 1(Fighter) Squadron marked the occasion with a flypast