RAF

Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston Appointed New Chief Of The Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston has been appointed as the RAF's Chief of the Air Staff.

He takes over from Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier who stepped down on Friday after 39 years of service.

Air Chief Marshal Hillier, who was Chief of the Air Staff for three years, oversaw the introduction of the F-35B Lightning jet, RAF 100 celebrations and the retirement of the Tornado.

In a goodbye message shared earlier in the week by Air Chief Marshal Hillier, he said felt "a tremendous sense of privilege and humility at being given the chance to command" the RAF.

"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 you will support him in the same exemplary manner as you have done with me," he said.

Air Chief Marshal Hillier handed command over to Air Chief Marshal Wigston at RAF College Hall (Picture: RAF).

Air Chief Marshal Wigston said he was "honoured" to be the new Chief of the Air Staff.

In a video message shared on the RAF social media accounts, he said he is committed to building on the legacy of his predecessor.

He also spoke about the importance of international relations, stating we live in "challenging times".

Today, ACM Sir Stephen Hillier stepped down as Chief of the Air Staff, handing the command to ACM Mike Wigston in a ceremony before RAF College Hall.

ACM Wigston will build on the legacy of RAF100, transforming the Service, to deliver the Next Generation Air Force. pic.twitter.com/5jbINNM2E9
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) July 26, 2019

Air Chief Marshal Wigston also looked ahead at new information and digital technology, including space.

"Person for person, we are delivering so more air and space power than we ever have to protect our nation," he said.

"New platforms alone will not guarantee success.

"To deliver decisive, sustainable air and space power in an increasingly complex and contested environment – we must continue to transform everything we do across our service."

His comments come after the Ministry of Defence announced a new space plan, with then-Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt saying she wants to see "RAF pilots earning their space wings and flying beyond the stratosphere".

The new Chief of the Air Staff has 33 years of experience within the RAF.

In 2015, he was appointed as Commander of British Forces in Cyprus and went on to become Assistant Chief of the Air Staff where he helped oversee RAF 100 events.