Air chief marshal is a senior commissioned officer rank in the Royal Air Force (RAF), positioned immediately below marshal of the Royal Air Force and above air marshal in the RAF's hierarchy of ranks.[1] This four-star rank serves as the professional head of the RAF when held by the Chief of the Air Staff, who is responsible for the command and leadership of the service.[2] It is equivalent to the rank of general in the British Army and admiral in the Royal Navy, and carries the NATO officer grade code OF-9.[1][3]The rank originated within the RAF structure established after the First World War and is worn on the lower sleeves of dress uniforms, featuring a distinctive insignia of four goldlacestripes, with the lowermost stripe being significantly wider.[1][4] Air chief marshal is also used in other Commonwealth air forces, such as the Royal Australian Air Force, where it represents the highest active officer rank and is abbreviated as ACM.[5] Holders of the rank typically occupy key strategic positions, including command of major air operations, joint service roles, or high-level advisory posts within defense organizations.[6] The appointment to air chief marshal is rare and reserved for officers with exceptional service records, often involving promotion from air marshal upon selection for top-level commands.[7]
Overview
Definition and hierarchy
The air chief marshal is a four-star (OF-9) air officer rank in the Royal Air Force, positioned immediately senior to air marshal and junior to marshal of the Royal Air Force.[1][8] This rank corresponds to the NATO code OF-9, aligning it with equivalent senior ranks in allied air forces.[8]In air force hierarchies, the air chief marshal typically serves as the highest operational rank, often held by the Chief of the Air Staff or equivalent leadership positions responsible for overarching command of major air components.[1] Officers at this level provide strategic oversight, including the development, integration, and sustainment of air forces to ensure operational readiness and alignment with national defense objectives.[2] Responsibilities commonly encompass leading joint operations, advising on policy, and directing national air staff efforts, with an emphasis on strategic decision-making in contemporary air power structures.[2][9]Attainment of the air chief marshal rank generally requires extensive prior command experience, most often following promotion from air marshal after demonstrating leadership in progressively senior roles.[10] This progression underscores the rank's role as a pinnacle of professional expertise in air force command.[10]
International equivalents
The rank of air chief marshal corresponds to the NATO officer rank code OF-9, which denotes a four-star general officer position in allied air forces.[8] This standardization facilitates interoperability among NATO member states and partner nations, aligning the rank with other senior command levels in multinational operations.[11]Within national armed forces, air chief marshal is equivalent to the army rank of general and the navy rank of admiral, reflecting parallel authority in jointservice structures.[12] For instance, in the Britishmilitary, this equivalence ensures balanced representation at the highest operational levels across branches.[8]In other air forces, comparable OF-9 ranks include the Frenchgénéral d'armée aérienne, the Italiangenerale di squadra aerea, and the Germangeneral in the Luftwaffe.[13][14][15] These titles maintain the same seniority and responsibilities as air chief marshal, supporting coordinated efforts in international alliances.[11]A rare superior rank, marshal of the air force, exists as a five-star equivalent in select nations, such as the posthumous honorary promotion of Arjan Singh in the Indian Air Force in 2016.[16] This ceremonial distinction is exceptional and not part of standard active hierarchies.[17]
History
Origins in the Royal Air Force
The rank of air chief marshal was established in August 1919 during the Royal Air Force's post-World War I restructuring of officer ranks, which aimed to create a distinct hierarchy paralleling the British Army's general officers and the Royal Navy's admirals.[18] This reform, formalized through Air Ministry Order 973 on 4 August 1919 and officially adopted from 27 August 1919, introduced unique RAF titles to reflect the service's independent identity following its formation in 1918.[19]The rank's first substantive use came on 1 April 1922, when Air Marshal Sir Hugh Trenchard, the inaugural Chief of the Air Staff, was promoted to air chief marshal to underscore the position's authority in overseeing the RAF's strategic direction and development.[20] Trenchard, often regarded as the "father of the RAF," held the rank until his further promotion to marshal of the Royal Air Force on 1 January 1927.[21] The role initially served to designate the pinnacle of air command, emphasizing centralized leadership amid interwar budget constraints and doctrinal debates on air power's role.[22]Subsequent early appointments included Air Marshal Sir John Maitland Salmond, promoted to air chief marshal on 1 January 1929 upon succeeding Trenchard as Chief of the Air Staff, followed by figures such as Sir John Steel in 1936.[23] By late 2025, over 140 RAF officers had attained the rank, reflecting its evolution from a singular senior position to a broader marker of high command.[24]During World War II, the rank's prominence surged with the RAF's expansion, reaching up to six active air chief marshals by war's end to lead strategic operations, including Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris as commander of Bomber Command and Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding as head of Fighter Command.[24] This wartime adaptation highlighted the rank's critical function in coordinating large-scale air campaigns, solidifying its foundational status within the RAF's command structure.[25]
Adoption in Commonwealth and other nations
Following World War II, the rank of air chief marshal proliferated across Commonwealth air forces, reflecting enduring colonial and operational ties to the Royal Air Force structure for maintaining unified command hierarchies. In Canada, the Royal Canadian Air Force first utilized the rank in 1945, when Air Marshal Lloyd S. Breadner was promoted to air chief marshal upon his retirement as Chief of the Air Staff.[26] Similarly, the Royal Australian Air Force adopted it for its officers in 1965, with Air Marshal Sir Frederick Scherger becoming the first Australian to hold the rank upon his appointment as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee on 25 March.[27] These adoptions facilitated alignment with British-influenced joint staffs, enabling seamless integration in multinational operations.The rank's expansion included upgrades in several Commonwealth nations to denote four-star leadership for air force chiefs. In India, the position of Chief of the Air Staff was elevated to air chief marshal effective 15 January 1966, with Air Marshal Arjan Singh as the inaugural holder.[28] Pakistan introduced the four-star rank in 1974 for its Chief of the Air Staff, starting with Air Marshal Zulfiqar Ali Khan. Bangladesh followed suit in 2016, promoting Air Marshal Abu Esrar to air chief marshal as the inaugural Chief of Air Staff under the new structure. These changes were driven by the need to match equivalent ranks in joint military commands and elevate national air leadership.Beyond the Commonwealth, the rank appeared in non-aligned nations influenced by Britishmilitary models, though adoption was sporadic and often limited to English-speaking or historically linked forces. Thailand incorporated air chief marshal into its Royal Thai Air Force rank structure around the mid-20th century, with commanders routinely promoted to the rank from the 1950s onward to lead the service.[29] In post-independence African states like Ghana and Zimbabwe, the rank was embraced via references to RAF precedents; Ghana's air force, established in 1959, integrated it from inception to standardize officer progression, while Zimbabwe's air force post-1980 independence utilized it for senior commanders, such as Air Marshal Azim Daudpota from 1983 to 1986. However, its use remains constrained in many non-English-speaking air forces, where local adaptations often cap at air marshal equivalents.
Insignia and distinguishing features
Standard RAF design
The standard insignia for the rank of air chief marshal in the Royal Air Force features sleeve stripes on dress uniforms consisting of three narrow light blue bands, each on a slightly wider black band, positioned above a broad light blue band on a broad black band. This design is worn on the lower arm of No 1 and No 1A service dress jackets, with the broad band measuring approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) in width and centered 3¾ inches (9.5 cm) from the cuff bottom, using light blue braid on a black background to denote the four-star hierarchy.[30][31]Shoulder insignia for the rank are displayed on shoulder boards or marks, featuring four silver stars arranged in a diamond pattern on a blue-grey melton backing, often accompanied by the RAF eagleemblem and gold lace edging for formal wear. These are attached via buttons and straps on service uniforms such as No 6A, No 8, and No 8A dress, as well as greatcoats, with the gold lace being half-width to distinguish senior air officer ranks. The shoulder marks use black and light blue-grey lace with the Royal Cypher for additional formality.[31][32]The command flag for an air chief marshal is a rectangular dark blue field with two broad red horizontal bands evenly spaced across the center, measuring 2 feet by 3 feet (0.61 m by 0.91 m), flown at the masthead to indicate the presence of a station or unit commander holding the rank. This design parallels naval and army equivalents for high-ranking officers.[33]For official and vehicular use, the star plate displays four white stars on an air force blue background, serving as a license plate emblem or vehicle marker to signify the four-star rank without additional RAF-specific emblems beyond the standard layout.[33]These elements are worn on full dress and service uniforms, with the overall design originating in 1919 upon the RAF's formation and adopting a cuff-stripe system inspired by naval traditions; minor post-World War II updates included shifts to synthetic materials for durability and standardized sizing, while retaining the core light blue and black color scheme for continuity.[1][31]
Variations across air forces
In Commonwealth air forces, the insignia for air chief marshal commonly retains the foundational three-band sleeve design or four-star shoulder markings derived from the Royal Air Force, ensuring continuity in hierarchical representation. This adaptation allows for NATO OF-9 equivalence, where the rank aligns with general or admiral equivalents in allied forces. For instance, the Royal Australian Air Force preserves the light blue bands on a black background for sleeve insignia, supplemented by a Commonwealth Star to denote national identity.Notable modifications often involve the integration of national emblems or symbolic shifts, particularly in Asian and African air forces. In Pakistan, the 2006 reform replaced traditional British-style sleeve stripes with shoulder-based designs featuring four stars and crossed swords, incorporating a crescent and star for cultural resonance, while maintaining the four-star configuration for seniority. African nations, such as Ghana and Nigeria, frequently adapt the bands with gold accents or national colors suited to tropical uniforms, enhancing visibility in operational environments without altering the core structure. These changes reflect a balance between British colonial legacy and local symbolism, such as eagles in some insignia to evoke national strength.[34]Post-colonial standardization efforts underscore the pervasive influence of British designs in air forces like those of India and Namibia, where sleeve or shoulder elements mirror RAF precedents but include title tweaks or motifs for distinction. India's version adds the Ashoka Lion Capital, preserving the three-band sleeve while embedding republican symbolism. In Namibia, the rank is titled "chief air marshal," with insignia adapting the four-star shoulder board alongside local heraldic elements to affirm sovereignty, yet adhering to Commonwealth visual norms for interoperability. Such patterns ensure the rank's global recognition while accommodating national pride.
Usage by country
Australia
In the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the rank of air chief marshal was established in 1965 as the highest attainable rank, directly equivalent to its British counterpart but tailored for senior joint leadership roles.[27] The inaugural appointee was Air Marshal Sir Frederick Scherger, who was promoted to air chief marshal upon becoming Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the precursor to the modern Chief of the Defence Force position.[35] Since its creation, the rank has been exceptionally rare, conferred on only four RAAF officers, each exclusively in the context of heading Australia's integrated defence command structure. These include Sir Neville McNamara, promoted in 1982 as Chief of the Defence Force Staff; Sir Angus Houston, elevated in 2005 upon appointment as Chief of the Defence Force; and Mark Binskin, who received the rank in 2014 as Chief of the Defence Force.[36][37]The role of air chief marshal in the RAAF is strictly reserved for joint command responsibilities, particularly when an air force officer serves as the apex of the Australian Defence Force's unified leadership, reflecting the service's emphasis on interoperability across army, navy, and air elements. Unlike routine operational or service-specific commands, which cap at air marshal (three-star rank), this four-star designation underscores the holder's authority over national defence strategy and operations. The insignia closely mirrors the Royal Air Force design—featuring four braided light blue bands on a black background—but incorporates Australian distinctions, such as the seven-pointed Commonwealth star above the rank bands on shoulder epaulettes and the inclusion of "Australia" in service identifiers.[5]As of November 2025, there is no active air chief marshal in the RAAF; the current Chief of Air Force is Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, a three-star officer appointed in July 2024.[38] The rank's use has been effectively limited to these joint appointments since the 1980s defence reforms, which prioritized integrated command under the Australian Defence Force framework established in 1976, rendering it non-routine and tied solely to the Chief of the Defence Force role when held by an RAAF appointee. Future conferral would occur only if an RAAF officer is selected for that position, maintaining its status as a ceremonial and strategic pinnacle rather than a standard progression.
Bangladesh
In 2016, the Bangladesh Air Force elevated the rank of its Chief of Air Staff from the three-star Air Marshal to the four-star Air Chief Marshal, aligning it with equivalent commands in other branches of the armed forces.[39][40] This change marked the first use of the rank, initially conferred upon the incumbent Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abu Esrar, who served from 2015 to 2018.[39] Since then, the rank has been held exclusively by the Chief of Air Staff and bestowed upon four officers in total.The role of Air Chief Marshal provides supreme command authority over the Bangladesh Air Force, encompassing operational readiness, personnel management, and strategic planning to defend national airspace and support joint military endeavors.[41] The insignia for the rank draws from the Royal Air Force tradition, featuring a crossed sword and baton topped by an eagle, tailored to Bangladesh Air Force uniforms with standardized metallic braiding on shoulder boards and sleeves.[42]As of November 2025, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan holds the position of Chief of Air Staff, having been appointed on 11 June 2024 following his promotion from Air Marshal.[41][43]This rank upgrade formed part of a 2016 government effort to standardize four-star leadership across the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force, promoting interoperability and coordinated joint operations among the services.[40]
Canada
The rank of air chief marshal was used in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1945 until its discontinuation in 1968.[44] Only two officers held this rank: Lloyd Samuel Breadner, who was promoted upon his retirement in 1945 after serving as Chief of the Air Staff during the Second World War, and Frank Robert Miller, who received the promotion on 1 September 1961 while serving as Chief of the Air Staff during the early Cold War period.[45][46] These appointments underscored the rank's role in leading RCAF operations and strategic air command amid wartime expansion and post-war defense restructuring.[45][46]The rank was abolished with the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces on 1 February 1968, which integrated the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force into a single service and replaced branch-specific ranks like air chief marshal with unified equivalents such as general and admiral.[47]Insignia for the rank in the RCAF were identical to those of the Royal Air Force, featuring four bands on the cuff for sleeve rank markings.[44]As of 2025, the Canadian Armed Forces maintain no equivalent four-star, air force-specific rank, with the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force holding the rank of lieutenant-general.[48]
Ghana
The Ghana Air Force, formed in 1959 shortly after the country's independence from Britain in 1957, adopted a rank structure modeled on that of the Royal Air Force, designating air chief marshal as the highest commissioned officer rank equivalent to a four-star general in the army. This rank is reserved for the most senior leadership positions, such as the Chief of Defence Staff when appointed from the air force, providing overall strategic oversight of air operations, training, and integration with joint military efforts.[49]In practice, the rank has seen limited conferral, with the Chief of Air Staff and other top roles typically filled by officers at the three-star air marshal or two-star air vice-marshal level. For instance, Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2016 to 2020, overseeing national defence coordination during his tenure. As of November 2025, no active air chief marshal holds office, with Air Vice-Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong acting as Chief of Air Staff, responsible for operational readiness and air support to ground forces.[50][51]The insignia for air chief marshal features four broad gold bands on the lower sleeve, akin to the RAF design but incorporating Ghana's national coat of arms, which includes a black eagle symbolizing strength and vigilance. This adaptation aligns with broader uniform reforms emphasizing national identity. The rank's equivalence to the army general facilitates harmonized command in joint bodies like the Armed Forces Council, which handles high-level promotions and defence policy under the vice president's chairmanship.[52][53]
India
The rank of air chief marshal was established in the Indian Air Force (IAF) when the position of Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) was upgraded from air marshal to air chief marshal in 1966, aligning with the four-star general officer ranks in the Indian Armed Forces.[54] The first officer to hold this rank was Arjan Singh, who assumed the role of CAS on 1 August 1964 as an air marshal and was promoted to air chief marshal on 15 January 1966; he later received the honorary five-star promotion to Marshal of the Indian Air Force in 2002, the only such instance in IAF history.[55] Since the rank's creation, 23 officers have served as air chief marshal and CAS, providing strategic leadership during key phases of India's post-independence military development.[56]As of November 2025, the current CAS is Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who was appointed on 30 September 2024, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.[57] In this role, the air chief marshal commands the IAF's approximately 140,000 active personnel, overseeing air operations, modernization efforts, and integration with joint military commands.[58] The insignia features the Ashoka Lion emblem centered above the standard Royal Air Force-style sleeve stripes of three medium blue bands edged in narrow dark blue, adapted for IAF uniforms.[54]Honorary promotions to the five-star rank remain exceptionally rare, with only Arjan Singh's 2002 elevation as a posthumous exception to the norm of retiring at air chief marshal.[17] Air chief marshals have emphasized operational leadership in major border conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control, prioritizing rapid air mobility, precision strikes, and force multipliers like indigenous fighters and missile systems.[56]
Namibia
The Namibian Air Force, part of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), was established following Namibia's independence from South Africa in 1990, with an initial Air Defence Wing formed on 23 July 1994 and the full service commissioned on 13 March 2005 at Grootfontein Air Force Base. The highest rank in the Namibian Air Force is designated as chief air marshal, a variant reflecting the integrated command structure where the Chief of the Defence Force holds this title when appointed from an air force background. This rank underscores the post-independence development of a distinct air arm within the NDF, prioritizing a compact, mobile force aligned with national security needs.[59][60]The appointment to chief air marshal has been limited, primarily tied to the leadership of the NDF. Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas has held the position since his appointment as Chief of the Defence Force on 1 April 2020, marking the first such instance from the air force branch. Prior NDF chiefs, including Lieutenant General Martin Shalli (2006–2011), were drawn from the army and held equivalent general officer ranks rather than air-specific titles. As of November 2025, Pinehas remains in the role, overseeing the air component as part of the unified defence command.[61][62]In its operational role, the Namibian Air Force provides integrated air defence capabilities within the NDF's small-scale structure, emphasizing surveillance, personnel and equipment transport, and assistance to civil authorities during emergencies. With a modest fleet focused on utility helicopters, trainers, and limited transport aircraft, it supports territorial integrity without large-scale combat assets, aligning with Namibia's defensive posture in a stable regional context.[63][64]The insignia for chief air marshal and other air force ranks adopt a simplified Royal Air Force-style design, featuring eagle motifs on shoulder slides or sleeve stripes, adapted with the Namibian coat of arms including the rising sun emblem for national distinction. This configuration highlights hybrid influences from British Commonwealth aviation traditions and the preceding South African Defence Force systems during the pre-independence era.[65]
Nigeria
The rank of Air Chief Marshal was established in the Nigerian Air Force upon its formation in 1964, serving as the four-star equivalent to a general in the Nigerian Army and positioned as the second-highest rank below the honorary five-star Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force, which has never been conferred.[66][67] This rank structure reflects the post-colonial adoption of British-influenced military hierarchies, adapted to Nigeria's defense needs.The rank has been sparingly used and is primarily assigned to senior air officers appointed as Chief of Defence Staff to ensure parity with other service branches. Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike became the first and only Nigerian Air Force officer to hold this rank, promoted in 2008 upon his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff.[68][69] As of November 2025, the Chief of Air Staff is Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, holding the three-star rank, with no active four-star Air Chief Marshal serving in the force.[70]In its application, particularly for the Chief of Defence Staff, the Air Chief Marshal oversees joint operations across the Nigerian Armed Forces, coordinating strategic directives for the Army, Navy, and Air Force while advising the President on defense matters.[71] The insignia features four stars arranged with the Nigerian eagle, symbolizing national authority and aerial command, often displayed on shoulder boards or sleeve stripes.[67]Since the Nigerian Air Force's inception, 23 officers have served as Chief of Air Staff, highlighting the force's enduring contributions to West African security through multinational operations and counter-insurgency efforts.[70]
Pakistan
In the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the rank of air chief marshal was established as a four-star appointment in 1976, elevating the position of Chief of Air Staff (CAS) from the previous three-star rank of air marshal to align with equivalent commands in other branches of the Pakistan Armed Forces.[72] Upon appointment as CAS, the officer is automatically promoted to air chief marshal, serving a typical three-year tenure unless extended by the government.[73] This mandatory promotion ensures the CAS holds the highest operational authority within the PAF, overseeing all air operations, training, and strategic development.As of November 2025, the current CAS and air chief marshal is Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu NI(M), who assumed the role on 19 March 2021 and had his tenure extended in May 2025 for continued strategic oversight.[74]Sidhu, born on 16 April 1965, previously served in key staff roles including Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) and has been decorated for his contributions to PAF modernization.[74]The insignia for air chief marshal in the PAF features four silver stars arranged in a diamond pattern above a device of crossed swords surmounted by a laurel wreath, worn on the shoulder epaulettes. This design was introduced in 2006 as part of a broader overhaul of PAF officer ranks, replacing the earlier Royal Air Force-influenced braided bands and straps with a star-based system inspired by Turkish military insignia to emphasize a distinct national identity.[34][75]The air chief marshal as CAS commands a nuclear-capable force, responsible for the operational control of aircraft such as the Mirage III and V variants equipped for nuclear delivery, enhanced by aerial refueling for extended strike range.[76] The role has been pivotal in wartime leadership, exemplified by PAF operations during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, where the CAS directed air superiority missions including strikes on Indian airfields, and the 1971 war, involving defensive and offensive sorties to support ground forces despite numerical disadvantages.[77] These conflicts underscored the CAS's authority in coordinating combat commands, logistics, and rapid response under the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.[74]
Sri Lanka
In the Sri Lanka Air Force, the rank of Air Chief Marshal serves as an honorary field promotion awarded exclusively to the retiring Commander, recognizing their leadership and contributions to the force. This practice originated in the 1980s, aligning with Commonwealth air force traditions where such promotions honor distinguished service upon completion of tenure.[78]The first documented instance occurred with Air Vice Marshal Andibuduge Walter Fernando, who was elevated to Air Chief Marshal upon his retirement after serving as the seventh Commander from May 1985 to July 1990.[79] Subsequent retiring Commanders have received the same honor, including Air Marshal Mendis J. T. de S. Gunawardena following his term from August 1990 to February 1994.[80] More recently, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was promoted to Air Chief Marshal effective June 29, 2023, coinciding with the end of his command from November 2020 to June 2023.[81] In January 2025, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa received the promotion on January 28, one day before relinquishing his role as the 19th Commander, which he held from June 2023.[82]As of November 2025, there are no active-duty Air Chief Marshals in the Sri Lanka Air Force; the current Commander, Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe, holds the rank of Air Marshal since assuming duties on January 29, 2025.[83] The rank functions primarily as symbolic recognition of exemplary service, without operational command responsibilities post-retirement. Over the decades, approximately 12 to 15 former Commanders have been honored this way since the 1980s, often in connection with significant advancements in air force capabilities during challenging periods.[78]The insignia for Air Chief Marshal follows the standard Royal Air Force pattern of four bands on the sleeve or four stars on the shoulder slide, adapted with Sri Lankan national symbols including the lion from the national flag.[84]
Thailand
The rank of air chief marshal (Thai: พลอากาศเอก, phra achiwak ek) in the Royal Thai Air Force serves as the highest operational rank, typically held by the commander-in-chief to lead the service's strategic operations and modernization efforts. Adopted as part of the Thai military's rank structure in the mid-20th century following the formal establishment of the air force in 1913, it reflects early British advisory influence on Thai armed forces organization and insignia design.[85][86]Promotions to air chief marshal are generally awarded for distinguished service and leadership within the force, with officers advancing through prior ranks such as air marshal. For instance, Air Chief Marshal Alongkorn Wannarot was appointed commander-in-chief on October 1, 2022, overseeing key procurements like potential F-35 acquisitions amid regional security needs. A notable honorary exception occurred in the mid-2000s when the pet poodle of then-Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, named Fufu, was whimsically promoted to air chief marshal, drawing international attention for its unconventional nature within the otherwise formal rank system.[87][88]As of November 2025, the commander-in-chief is Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, who assumed the role on September 30, 2025, following a formal handover ceremony focused on sustaining operational readiness and force enhancement. In this position, the air chief marshal directs a modernizing air force equipped with advanced fighters like the Gripen and ongoing upgrades to surveillance capabilities, emphasizing interoperability in Southeast Asian defense contexts. The rank's insignia features four wide light blue bands edged in black on the lower sleeve, topped by the Thai garuda emblem symbolizing aerial sovereignty.[89][90][29]
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the rank of air chief marshal serves as the four-star equivalent and professional head of the Royal Air Force (RAF), primarily held by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). The CAS is accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence for the service's fighting effectiveness, efficiency, and morale, while reporting to the Chief of the Defence Staff on the development, generation, integration, and sustainment of RAF capabilities aligned with UK defence policy. This leadership role commands approximately 30,550 regular personnel, enabling global operations that include rapid response deployments, deterrence missions, and support to international alliances.[2][91]As of November 2025, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth holds the position of Chief of the Air Staff, having been promoted to the rank and appointed on 29 August 2025. Smyth succeeded Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, who served from 26 July 2023 to 28 August 2025 and focused on enhancing RAF readiness amid evolving threats. Prior to his appointment, Smyth served as UK Air and Space Commander and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategic Operations), drawing on his experience as a combat pilot with over 15 years on Harrier and Tornado aircraft in operations over Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.[92][93][94]The rank of air chief marshal has been awarded to 142 RAF officers throughout the service's history, with active holders typically limited to the CAS and select senior commands. Recent examples beyond Knighton include Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston (2019–2023), who emphasized technological modernization, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier (2016–2019), who advanced joint operations integration. These leaders have guided the RAF through periods of strategic review, ensuring the force remains a key contributor to UK defence priorities.[95]In contemporary operations, air chief marshals lead efforts in NATO integration, providing credible air and space response options to alliance commitments, such as enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe and collective defence missions. The role also encompasses the fusion of cyber capabilities with traditional air power, recognizing cyber as a domain integral to multi-domain operations and enabling effects like information dominance and resilient command structures. This strategic focus supports the RAF's evolution toward agile, technology-driven forces capable of addressing hybrid threats.[96][97][98]The insignia for air chief marshal on the RAF's No. 1 Service Dress uniform features four bands of gold lace on the lower sleeves of the tunic, with the bottom band notably wider than the others to denote the rank; this design adheres to standard RAF conventions, incorporating minor updates such as improved fabric durability and compatibility with modern accoutrements like name tapes for enhanced identification in ceremonial and formal settings.[4]
Zimbabwe
The rank of air chief marshal is the highest commissioned officer rank in the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), retained after the country's independence in 1980 from the structure of the preceding Rhodesian Air Force, which followed the 1960s Royal Air Force model. This continuity facilitated the integration of former liberation war combatants into the AFZ, with early promotions reflecting the influence of the Zimbabwean liberation struggle on senior leadership appointments.[99][100]Notable holders of the rank include Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai, a former ZANLA political commissar who served as AFZ commander from 1986 to 1992, and Air Chief Marshal Perence Shiri, who led the AFZ from 1992 to 2017 and received the promotion upon retirement in December 2017. As of November 2025, no active air chief marshal serves in the AFZ, with Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede holding the commander position since his promotion in March 2024.[101][102][103]The rank provides operational leadership for the AFZ's contributions to regional security, including joint exercises and support missions under the Southern African Development Community. Insignia follow RAF-style conventions with four silver stars arranged in a cross pattern on shoulder boards, incorporating the Zimbabwe bird as a national emblem. Promotions to this four-star level remain limited due to the AFZ's modest size of approximately 5,000 personnel.[104][105]