Sir Stuart Atha

Director of Defence Capability BAE Systems

Sir Stuart joined BAE Systems in May 2020 as Director of Defence Capability and has responsibilities that include the leadership of strategic initiatives under the banners of Information Advantage, Training and Support Transformation.

Prior to this, Stuart joined the RAF in 1984 after reading mathematics and physics at Glasgow University and flying with the Air Squadron.

Following a tour as an instructor on Hawk, he flew the Harrier GR7 (1990-2003), flying combat missions over Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. As well as commanding RAF Coningsby, Stuart was inaugural Typhoon Force Commander and worked with BAE Systems to achieve critical Typhoon operational milestones 2006-2008.

In 2009/10 he deployed to Qatar, commanding air assets operating in the Gulf and Afghanistan. He headed the Ministry of Defence’s Libyan operations team in 2011 and directly supported the UK National Security Council.

From 2011-14, Stuart commanded No 1 Group, comprising an array of forces including combat aircraft, ISTAR assets and the National Air and Space Operations Centre.

He has flown Quick Reaction Alert missions in the UK and was the UK Air Defence Commander for the London Olympics in 2012.

Stuart’s staff experience includes posts in the RAF Air Warfare Centre and as personal staff officer to the Chief of the Air Staff and Head of Joint Capability in the MOD.

He was deputy commander of the Permanent Joint Headquarters responsible for all UK Joint operations.