Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach has been appointed the next chief of the defence staff, the most senior officer in the armed forces.
He will take over from General Sir Nicholas Houghton on his retirement this summer, said the Ministry of Defence.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "I am delighted to announce that Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach will assume the role of chief of the defence staff this summer when General Sir Nicholas Houghton retires.
"Sir Stuart has been an outstanding Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff and I look forward to working closely with him in taking the fight to Daesh and ensuring we have the best armed forces to keep Britain safe."
The Air Chief Marshal is reported to have been among three candidates for the top job, being chosen over First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas and General Sir Richard Barrons.
The 59-year-old father-of-two from the West Midlands was commissioned into the RAF in 1977, and flew Canberras and Tornados, serving in Iraq, Belize, Hong Kong and Germany.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I want to thank General Sir Nicholas Houghton for his many years of dedicated service to this country, especially the years he has led our armed forces in an ever more unstable world.
"I am confident that Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach is the right man to continue General Sir Nicholas Houghton's great legacy.
"For over a decade, Sir Stuart has delivered exemplary leadership of the armed forces with an extraordinary record of achievement. His experience as Commander Joint Forces and Chief of Joint Operations will be invaluable as we continue to ensure our brave armed forces remain among the most capable and agile in the world."
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