A Co Armagh man has been appointed as the new head of the Royal Air Force.
Air Marshal Harv Smyth, who was born, raised and educated in Lurgan, will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.
The Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that His Majesty The King approved the appointment of the new Chief of the Air Staff.
Air Marshal Smyth joined the RAF in 1991 as a direct entrant and then spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor having flown hundreds of operational missions over Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Since his promotion to Air Commodore in 2015, Air Marshal Smyth has held a range of command positions and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Operations.
The appointment comes at a transformative time for the RAF as it moves to warfighting readiness following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, including the recent announcement that the UK will purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change.
The Chief of the Air Staff is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all Royal Air Force operations, people and capability. The position is accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale as well as the development and sustainment of the RAF.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP, said: “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.
“Air Marshal Smyth has led a distinguished career to date. From spending 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor, to flying hundreds of operational missions from both land bases and aircraft carriers, to holding numerous vital command positions, he has served our nation loyally.
“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.
“The RAF is always globally deployed and ready to defend the nation. RAF pilots and aircrew are currently deployed on Operation SHADER to combat Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria, in Qatar as part of our joint Typhoon squadron, and in Eastern Europe as part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission to deter Russia.”
Incoming Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Air Marshal Harv Smyth has been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff, and I have every confidence that he will lead the Royal Air Force brilliantly and make sure we are ready to fly and fight.
“As I hand over to Air Marshal Smyth, I know that under his command the Royal Air Force will go from strength to strength to ensure that we are always ready to protect and promote our national interests on the world stage. I wish him every success and look forward to working with him in leadership of our Armed Forces.
“This announcement comes following Sir Rich Knighton’s promotion to Chief of the Defence Staff, a role he will take up in September.”
Air Marshal Harv 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.
“I take over from Sir Rich Knighton, who has achieved so much over the past two years, preparing the Royal Air Force for the challenges that we currently face and developing the operational mindset that we need, should we transition to conflict. I share in his 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.”
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed the prestigious appointment.
Ms Lockhart said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate Air Marshal Harv Smyth on his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff. This is an incredible achievement and a truly proud moment for his family, for Lurgan, for Upper Bann, and for Northern Ireland as a whole.”
“Harv’s record of service is exemplary. Over more than three decades, he has consistently displayed courage, leadership and commitment from the frontline in combat zones to the strategic heart of UK defence planning. His appointment to the highest office in the Royal Air Force is richly deserved.
“At a time when the UK faces growing global threats and an evolving defence landscape, Harv’s experience and calm leadership will be vital in guiding the RAF through the next chapter. He brings with him not only operational excellence, but a strong sense of duty and service to our nation.
“This is also a deeply inspiring moment for our young people. Harv Smyth’s journey from the streets and schools of Lurgan to the top of the Royal Air Force is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and integrity. He is flying the flag high for Lurgan, for Upper Bann and for Northern Ireland.
“I know that our whole community joins me in congratulating Air Marshal Smyth and wishing him every success as he takes on this historic role leading one of the most respected air forces in the world.”
