DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
The UK is expected to have 27 additional F-35 aircraft in its fleet by 2030. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
The new UK Royal Air Force (RAF)’s Air Chf Mshl Harvey Smyth has outlined his main areas of focus in the role since taking over from now Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, at DSEI.
To increase the “RAF focus and pace in the near term”, Smyth noted the three areas he would focus on during his tenure: nuclear deterrence, integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) and space.
Following its outline in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), the UK government committed in June 2025 to buy up to 12 F-35A aircraft, bolstering its nuclear deterrence capabilities and warfighting readiness.
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