RAF Chief of the Air Staff visits Northern Ireland to strengthen defence and industrial links

RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton pictured during a visit to Thales NI

In his first official visit to Northern Ireland as Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng undertook a series of high-level engagements designed to reaffirm the Royal Air Force’s commitment to regional partnerships, industrial collaboration and community engagement.

Hosted by Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAF, the visit underscored the strategic importance of Northern Ireland’s aerospace and defence sectors and its continuing contributions to UK national security.

The programme began at the Northern Ireland Office, where Sir Richard met senior government officials before travelling to Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

There, he met with Speaker of the Assembly Edwin Poots, Deputy Speaker Dr Steve Aiken OBE, and other Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including those involved with the All-Party Group on Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space (ADS).

RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton pictured meeting with MLA’s at Parliament Buildings

Discussions took place in the historic Senate Chamber, once used as a RAF Operations Room during the Second World War for the aerial defence of Northern Ireland—adding a poignant backdrop to the visit.

Sir Richard also met with representatives of the ADS Group NI and Thales Northern Ireland, a global leader in engineering innovation with over 70 years of operational heritage.

The visit highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the RAF and Northern Ireland’s technology and defence sectors.

“There are significant technological capabilities found in Northern Ireland and it is so important that the Royal Air Force continue that a strong relationship to ensure we harness these capabilities to contribute to our operational effectiveness and the growth and prosperity of Northern Ireland,” said the Chief of the Air Staff.

The day concluded at Aldergrove Flying Station, where the Chief received a series of briefings from RAF units stationed in the region. He also engaged in an open discussion with RAF personnel and air cadets from across Northern Ireland, fielding questions and hearing first-hand about their experiences serving or training in the region.

Reflecting on the day, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, Air Officer Northern Ireland, stated:

“It was great that the Chief of the Air Staff was able to visit Northern Ireland today, meet local politicians, industrialists, academics and the RAF family and to update himself on how the RAF continues to partner with the people of Northern Ireland to add value and drive prosperity.”

This visit marks a reaffirmation of the RAF’s commitment to Northern Ireland, both as a strategic partner in defence and as a hub of technological innovation and industrial growth.