Air Marshall Harv Smyth Named as New Head of the Royal Air Force

Air Marshall Harv Smyth named as new head of the Royal Air Force

Air Marshal Smyth’s appointment follows a series of promotions to command positions since becoming an Air Commodore in 2015. An air marshal who flew in hundreds of operational missions across a number of warzones is to be appointed as the new head of the RAF, the Defence Secretary has confirmed. Air Marshal Harv Smyth, who joined the force in 1991 and served 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor in conflicts in Bosnia, Kos…

Harv Smyth Appointed New RAF Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Harv Smyth becomes RAF Chief of Air Staff, bringing Harrier pilot expertise to drive Royal Air Force transformation and support NATO missions.

Co Armagh man appointed new head of Royal Air Force

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 pi…

Northern Ireland-born Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed next head of RAF

Air Marshal Harv Smyth, originally from Northern Ireland, has been confirmed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, set to take over from Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff

Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.