DSEI 2025: New RAF chief sets out key priorities

Lockheed Martin showcased a scale model of its F-35A Lightning II in representative UK markings at DSEI 2025. The RAF is acquiring the variant as it looks to re-establish its nuclear deterrent role as part of the wider NATO-shared mission. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

The United Kingdom's recently appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Harvey Smyth spelled out his key priorities at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition in London.

ACM Smyth in his keynote address on 11 September set out his top focus areas for the Royal Air Force (RAF), of which he was appointed head at the end of August.

“The RAF remains the nation's first responder; we have a proud legacy, but must never be distracted or complacent,” he said. “Going forward, I intend to put more ‘AIR' in air – more Agile, more Integrated, and more Ready, to fly and fight.”

To achieve this, ACM Smyth noted that his key three priority areas will be the re-establishment of the RAF's nuclear deterrence role after a gap of nearly 30 years, integrated air and missile defence, and building the service's space domain capabilities.

Citing his CAS predecessor from the dawn of the nuclear age in the 1950s, Air Marshal John Slessor, ACM Smyth said the reintroduction of a nuclear capability via the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II of the NATO-shared mission will once again provide the RAF an escalatory response to the changing strategic environment.