The head of the Royal Air Force is expected to be named the next chief of the Defense Staff, the top uniformed position in the British military, according to a report Wednesday from the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton will take over as commander of the U.K. armed forces from Adm. Sir Tony Radakin, who has been in the position since 2021.

As an engineering officer, Air Marshal Knighton, 56, was the first non-pilot to lead the U.K.’s air service in 2023. He stressed the importance of air and space power when he was appointed Air Chief Marshal of the R.A.F.

“The prime minister was clear … that the world is now more volatile and contested. Air and space power are critical to defending the U.K., its interests, and our allies,” he said at the time, according to the BFBS.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense wouldn’t confirm that any appointment had been made to the top position. A spokesman told BFBS that the appointment process was ongoing and that “any announcement will be made in the usual way.”

Officials in London said they will build 12 new nuclear-powered submarines as part of their plan to revitalize the British military.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.