King's College London

The Freeman Air and Space Institute (FASI), based within the School of Security Studies at King’s College London provides independent and original research and analysis of air and space power issues.

On 23 September 2025, FASI celebrated five years since its inaugural launch. To mark the occasion, FASI were delighted to host a Fireside Chat with Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall, currently Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, and soon to be promoted to Air Marshal as Deputy Commander Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.

Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall, a long term FASI supporter and member of our esteemed Advisory Board, was joined by Dr David Jordan, Co-Director of the Freeman Air and Space Institute, who chaired the conversation.

The event, which took place on Tuesday 30^th September, delved into a reflection of the RAF’s growth over the past 5 years, noting the innovations and advancements achieved during this demanding period of time. The conversation also highlighted FASI’s expanding research impact, exploring our future plans and investment in the next generation of strategic thinkers.

Many thanks to Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall for joining us for a great discussion.

FASI’s Journey

The institute initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, meaning many of our events were online only. Since then, FASI has grown considerably and now hosts a wide variety of in-person, hybrid and online events. Recent events include a Fireside Chat with Major General Paul Tedman CBE, the Prospero Conference, an ‘In Conversation’ with USSTRATCOM, Defence Question Time and the inaugural Postgraduate Air and Space Conference.

FASI are also proud to host the annual Chief of the Air Staff Annual Lecture with Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth for the 5^th year in a row.

Over the past 5 years, FASI has also developed a series of open-sourced articles titled, ‘Freeman Papers’, in addition to the production of several op-ed style viewpoint pieces that have supported air and space education at King’s College London and beyond. Recent papers include Wings Still Clipped? Russia’s Airpower after Three Years of Conflict and Embargo and Beyond Buzzwords: Operationalising ‘Protect and Defend’ in UK Space Doctrine.

Women in Aviation and Aeropsace (WIAA) Charter

As part of our commitment to Gender Balance at the Freeman and and Space Institute (FASI), we are proud to be signatories of the Women in Aviation and Aerospace (WIAA) Charter. This Charter is a commitment by signatory firms to work together to build a more balanced and fair aviation and aerospace industry in the UK.

Cultivating the next generation

A further goal of FASI is to identify, develop and cultivate the next generation of air and space thinkers in both academia and industry. The Institute now has supported four fully funded PhD students who have either already completed or are currently completing their research projects. FASI are also actively engaged with and supporting several other candidates across the School of Security Studies.

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To keep informed about the latest research, opportunities and events from FASI, subscribe to our mailing list or contact the team at FASI@kcl.ac.uk.