Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer KBE CBE has been appointed as
NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), the most
senior UK role in the Alliance.
He will be the first RAF officer to hold the post since
1984, and only the third RAF officer in history to serve as
DSACEUR. The role is always held by a UK representative,
reflecting Britain's central position in the Alliance and
NATO-first approach.
He will take over from Admiral Sir Keith Blount KCB OBE in March
2026. Admiral Blount has held the position since July
2023.
Secretary of State for Defence MP said:
“I congratulate Air Chief Marshal John Stringer on his
appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Air Chief
Marshal Johnny's deep experience in NATO, including commanding
the Allied Air Command, makes him the right person to help lead
the alliance.
“We need to meet this era of increasing threats with hard power,
strong alliances and sure diplomacy and that is exactly
what NATO represents. This is the UK's NATO-first approach
in action.
“I am grateful to Admiral Keith Blount for his dedication and
commitment, not just as DSACEUR but throughout his distinguished
career in the Armed Forces. He has contributed much to UK and
international security through his work, and I wish him all the
best for the future.”
Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe serves as the second in
command to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and concurrently
as the deputy head of Allied Command
Operations.
Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer KBE
CBE said:
“It is a great privilege to have been appointed as NATO's Deputy
Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and to follow the superb example
set by Sir Keith and his UK predecessors over 76 years.
“This is a critical time for the defence and security of Europe
and the North Atlantic, deterring those who would do us harm and
keeping the 1 billion citizens of NATO nations safe. I look
forward to playing my fullest
possible part with our vital allies and partners
in maintaining our national and collective security as
DSACEUR.”
The appointment demonstrates the UK's enduring
commitment and leadership within NATO, reinforcing our NATO-first
approach to collective defence.
Since August 2022, ACM Stringer has served as Deputy Commander of
NATO's Allied Air Command. His previous roles include
Chief of Staff at U.K. Joint Forces Command and Director Strategy
at UK Strategic Command.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Defence
Staff said:
“I have been clear in recent months that the threats we
face don't respect national boundaries. Our ability to
respond depends on the strength of our alliances and how
effectively we work alongside partner nations.
“That is why our role in NATO is so vital for the security of the
UK, and I would like to congratulate ACM Stringer on this
appointment – I know he will excel at NATO and ensure the UK
continues to take a lead on European security.”
