AM Smyth spent 15 years as a Harrier pilot and weapons instructor. He has extensive combat experience having flown hundreds of operational missions from both land bases and aircraft carriers. In staff roles, Smyth has worked in the UK Air & Space Warfare Centre and spent 2 tours in the F-35 Lightning programme.
In 2013 Smyth retrained as a Tornado pilot and became Station Commander RAF Marham, delivering operations in Afghanistan, West Africa, Iraq and Syria, alongside transitioning the base for F-35 integration. As Air Commodore in 2015 he became the Tornado Force Commander, and the UK’s first F-35 Lightning Force Commander. After a short appointment in the MOD as the 1* Head of Carrier Enabled Power Projection, he deployed to Qatar as the Target Engagement Authority and Director of the 609th Combined Air and Space Operations Centre.
On promotion to Air Vice-Marshal in 2018, Smyth retrained as a Typhoon pilot and became AOC 1Gp. In 2020, Smyth became UK MOD’s inaugural Director Space, establishing MOD’s Space Directorate, setting the foundation for the new UK Space Command, He was also a sitting member of the PM-chaired National Space Council. Smyth was promoted to Air Marshal in 2022 and appointed as the RAF’s Deputy Commander (Operations), latterly UK Air and Space Commander, the RAF’s senior war fighter.
Smyth became DCDS(MSO) in Mar 2024. DCDS(MSO) is responsible for: the provision of military advice to senior leadership across government; the development of UK military strategy and its integration with partners across government and allies; the commissioning of UK military operations at home and across the globe; and the leadership of MOD’s department for Strategy, Policy and Operations (SPO).
Drinks in the Churchill Bar at 1830 followed by dinner in the Sovereign’s Suite at 1930.
Carriages at 2300. Dress code is business attire.
Corporate member seats £149 +VAT Individual member seats £69 +VAT
No invitations or tickets will be sent, please check in at reception on arrival.