News articles

The Chief of the Air Staff Announcements at DSEI

The Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston was at the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) yesterday and spoke about the future capabilities of the Royal Air Force.

CAS_DSEI

He spoke highly of Royal Air Force Personnel and what they do but also highlighted that in order to keep achieving on Operations and Exercises around the world that the RAF needs to continue to modernise and transform its equipment, platforms, aircraft and systems. 

So, for the Royal Air Force, our ability to attract and retain the quality of people we need is as critical as it has ever been. But of equal importance is that we continue to modernise and transform our equipment, platforms, aircraft and systems, to face these challenging times. 

The Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston

CAS_DSEI

He spoke of Team Tempest and Protector. The importance of these projects and what it means to work alongside industry partners to excel in these fields.

Protector exemplifies the benefits that military-industry partnering can bring. Through the embedding of experienced RAF operators in the programme, we are helping bring to life a world-leading capability.  It will provide the RAF with a remotely-piloted air system that is equipped with British-designed and built weapons and that can operate worldwide for up to 40 hours.

The Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston

CAS_DSEI

The keynote speech covered a number of initiatives the RAF is doing to modernise its equipment and technology, and to reach new heights in the modern climate. Space capabilities were a big factor when it comes to the future and focusing on the importance Air and Space Operations for UK MOD.

In space too, we have initiated ground-breaking programmes that underpin the Royal Air Force’s lead of the command and control of space operations for the UK MOD. Project Artemis paves the way for the creation of a constellation of small satellites with our key industry partners of Airbus, Raytheon and Surrey Satellites. Our launch partner will be Virgin Orbit, with whom we are working with to provide a Test Pilot. 

The Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston