Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, who completed a four-year term as Chief of the Air Staff in June 2023, has joined the Freeman Air and Space Institute (FASI) as a Visiting Professor. FASI, which is based in the School of Security Studies, is an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to generating an understanding of air and space power affairs in defence and security.
As Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Mike set the strategic direction for the Royal Air Force, including oversight of global air and space operations. He led the Service through the pandemic and over a period when the Royal Air Force has been more engaged and busier than at any time in a generation: protecting the UK’s skies and space; the air evacuations from Kabul and Sudan; the continuing fight against violent extremists in Iraq and Syria; bolstering NATO, and supporting Ukraine, in the face of Russian aggression.
Sir Mike's distinguished career will bring valuable insights on UK air and space power, enhancing King's College London's teaching and research in the fields of security and defence.
The Freeman Air and Space Institute is at the leading edge of analysis and global thinking about air and space power, and the people and technologies underpinning that power. It will be my great pleasure to contribute to the Institute as a Visiting Professor, joining the team in the world-renowned School of Security Studies, King’s College London. – Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston
We are delighted that Sir Mike has joined us as a Visiting Professor. His vast experience across various senior roles in the RAF, capped by his time as Chief of the Air Staff, will bring unique and significant added value to the research and education agenda of the Freeman Institute at a time of growing strategic challenges and related increasing demands on UK and allied air forces.– Professor Wyn Bowen, Co-Director Freeman Air and Space Institute
In 2022, Sir Mike joined FASI for their Annual Chief of the Air Staff Lecture. Watch the full talk here.