Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • RAF appoints new Chief of the Air Staff

Defence Events

RAF appoints new Chief of the Air Staff

Today, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier stepped down as Chief of the Air Staff, after three years in command of the Royal Air Force and a total of 39 years distinguished service.

In a ceremony before RAF College Hall, Air Chief Marshal Hillier handed the command of 35,000 Regular and Reserve personnel and 5000 Civil Servants and responsibility for the safe and effective operation of the Service’s manned and unmanned aircraft, to Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston.


Courtesy RAF / MoD / Crown Copyright

During his three years in command, Air Chief Marshal Hillier lead the Air Force through one of its busiest periods with personnel deployed to 33 countries and directly supporting 32 operations in 2019 alone. He also oversaw the introduction of next generation aircraft into service, including the F-35 Lightning, and presided over the landmark RAF100 celebrations.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Reflecting on the handover, Air Chief Marshal Hillier said: “I hand over to my successor, Air Chief Marshal Wigston, inspired and proud of what we have achieved, confident of our bright future, and knowing that the Whole Force and RAF Family will support him in the same exemplary manner as they have done with me.

“Elaine and I offer our very best wishes to everyone in the RAF Family - good luck, and thank you to the RAF for developing me, looking after me, and giving me the most incredible opportunities and experiences.  It truly has been no ordinary job, and no ordinary life.”

Above: New Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston
Courtesy RAF / MoD / Crown Copyright

Air Chief Marshal Wigston will build on the legacy of RAF100, transforming the Service, to deliver the Next Generation Air Force. He said: “I’m honoured to be the new Chief of the Air Staff.

“The Royal Air Force I joined in 1986 was very different to the one I’m now privileged to command.  We’ve seen a huge amount change in that time, but the constant has been the brilliant people from all walks of life who serve the Royal Air Force with energy, commitment and great pride.

“The future is exciting and offers huge opportunities.  I look forward to leading the Royal Air Force over the coming years, delivering Air and Space power to protect our nation.”

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Commissioned on a University Cadetship in 1986, Air Chief Marshal Wigston completed his pilot training on the Tornado GR1 in 1992 followed by a succession of frontline tours, including operational deployments enforcing the no-fly zones in Iraq. In January 2015, he was appointed Commander British Forces Cyprus.

In 2016 he was appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, responsible for delivering the RAF Strategy coordination of the RAF100 centenary programme.  Prior to becoming Chief of the Air Staff, he was Deputy Commander Capability at Headquarters Air Command.

The ceremony, attended by over 400 guests, comprised a unique parade and the handover of the CAS Sword, which bears on its blade the name of the Chiefs of the Air Staff and the year they took office.

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

Defence

MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

18 July 2025

Soldiers sprinting through a salon, abseiling into gyms and crawling through offices feature in a striking new campaign by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), turning the tables on the issue of public interruptions to military training exercises.

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

Defence

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

18 July 2025

For the first time, BAE Systems has launched a precision munition from a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and successfully destroyed both air and ground targets during trials in the US.

UK

Defence

UK's combat air flying demonstrator revealed

17 July 2025

Industry partners, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA UK, together with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), have revealed the design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, as the aircraft reaches a major milestone, with two thirds of its structural weight now in manufacturing.

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

Defence

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

16 July 2025

Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry have visited HMNB Clyde to launch the multidecade, multibillion-pound Clyde 2070 programme.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

Defence Events

Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

16 July 2025

As the defence landscape continues to evolve at pace, with technological advances reshaping mission requirements and placing increasing demands on deployed computing systems, computing specialist Captec will be showcasing next-generation computing platforms at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London).

SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

Advertisement
Teledyne