Overview

• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has selected Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton to succeed Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, with an official announcement expected shortly.
• Knighton will assume control of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force through a newly formed Military Strategic Headquarters this autumn.
• The 56-year-old engineer and former RAF finance chief was picked over Army head General Sir Roly Walker for his track record in budgeting and reform delivery.
• His appointment aligns with the government’s pledge to raise UK defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and to target 3% in the next parliamentary term.
• As chief of the defence staff, Knighton will spearhead a major MoD overhaul that includes growing the Army to 100,000 personnel and investing in submarines, drones and artificial intelligence.