Former RAF fighter pilot is appointed as next second in command at Nato
A former Royal Air Force pilot has been appointed as Nato's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), the most senior UK role in the alliance.
Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer 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 position has always been held by a UK representative, demonstrating the UK's central position in the 32-member alliance.
'Right person to help lead the alliance'
ACM Sir John's elevation to the position comes as Nato deals with the twin threats of the nearly four-year-long conflict between Ukraine and Russia and US president Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland, which is a semiautonomous part of Denmark.
Defence Secretary John Healey congratulated ACM Sir John on his new role, adding that his wealth of experience means that he is "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," Mr Healey said.
ACM Sir John will replace Admiral Sir Keith Blount in March 2026. Adm Sir Keith has held the post since July 2023.
The Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP praised the departing Adm Sir Keith for his "dedication and commitment" in this role and throughout his career in the UK Armed Forces.
'Great privilege'
The Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe serves as the second in command to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, currently occupied by General Alexus G Grynkewich, and concurrently as the deputy head of Allied Command Operations.
Since August 2022, ACM Sir John has served as Deputy Commander of Nato Allied Air Command.
He was previously Chief of Staff at UK Joint Forces Command and Director Strategy at UK Strategic Command, which has been renamed as the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command.
"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," ACM Sir John said.
"I look forward to playing my fullest possible part with our vital allies and partners in maintaining our national and collective security as DSACEUR."
CDS reacts to the appointment
In a post on X, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff, said: "The Nato alliance is vital for the UK and our shared security and prosperity across Europe and the North Atlantic.
"I thank Adm Blount for his work to build up the strength of our alliance and congratulate ACM Stringer on his appointment as next Nato DSACEUR."
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