Kevin Short (RNZAF officer)

Kevin Short
Short in 2021
AllegianceNew Zealand
Service / branchRoyal New Zealand Air Force
Years of service1976–2024
RankAir Marshal
CommandsChief of Defence Force (2018–2024)
Vice Chief of Defence Force (2014–2018)
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand (2013–2014)
Deputy Chief of Air Force (2011–13)
Provincial Reconstruction Team (2006)
No. 485 Wing (2003–2006)
Battles / warsWar in Afghanistan
AwardsCompanion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Officer of the Order of Australia
Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States)

Air Marshal Kevin Ronald Short, CNZM is a retired Royal New Zealand Air Force officer. He served as Chief of Defence Force from 1 July 2018 to 6 June 2024.

Short joined the Air Force in 1976. He served as Commander, Crib Rotation 9, the Provincial Reconstruction Team, in the early years of New Zealand's deployment to Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

In June 2011, Short was appointed Deputy Chief of Air Force, before being appointed Commander Joint Forces New Zealand from 25 February 2013. He assumed the role of Vice Chief of Defence Force on 31 March 2014. After four years in the post, Short was promoted air marshal and succeeded Lieutenant General Tim Keating as Chief of Defence Force on 1 July 2018. Short was succeeded by Air Marshal Tony Davies as Chief of Defence Force on 6 June 2024.