Chief of the Defence Staff delivers 700th anniversary lecture
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng (1988, Honorary Fellow) delivered the fourth in the College’s series of seven anniversary lectures, speaking on ‘The Future of Defence’.
Sir Richard studied engineering at Â黨ӰԺ before embarking on a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force. He has held a range of staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence, Air Command and in acquisition and support, and served as Chief of the Air Staff prior to his appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff in 2025. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers, holds an Honorary Doctorate from Derby University and serves as an ambassador for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Royal Air Forces Association.
Speaking to a full auditorium, Sir Richard offered a candid assessment of the future of war. Drawing on insights from a recent visit to the frontline in Ukraine, he explored emerging challenges facing global defence, including the growing threat of anti‑satellite capabilities and the rise of cognitive warfare.
