Defence Secretary pays tribute to outgoing and outstanding CDS Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
The Defence Secretary has thanked departing Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his service during an address to Parliament on Ukraine, describing him as a "driving figure of the Coalition of the Willing".
"He's widely respected... a true friend of the Ukrainian people… as President Zelensky himself said last week," said John Healey, referring to Adm Radakin's recent visit to Kyiv.
Mr Healey also told MPs the UK is stepping up efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, with an accelerated push to deliver extra munitions over the summer – a part of the increased £4.5m budget for Ukrainian military aid in 2025.
Continued support for Ukraine
Adm Sir Tony was accompanied by the new UK defence chief, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, when he met President Zelensky to reassure him that the UK's military backing for Ukraine would remain consistent under his successor.
"Our support for you and for Ukraine is not personality dependent; it's nation dependent and [Sir Rich Knighton] will continue that level of support in exactly the same way that you would expect," he told the Ukrainian leader.
In his address to Parliament, Mr Healey said the UK has delivered around five million rounds of munitions, as well as 60,000 artillery shells, rockets and missiles, 2,500 drones, 30 vehicles, engineering equipment, 200 electronic warfare and air defence systems to Ukraine in the last 50 days alone, as Russia continues to make small advances in the east of the country.
The UK is also continuing efforts to lead the Coalition of the Willing to plan to secure an eventual ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as providing training to the Ukrainian military under Op Interflex.
An additional year in the role
Adm Radkin stayed on as CDS for longer than expected, with an extension of a year during a critical time for European security as the war in Ukraine continued.
He was the first Royal Navy officer to take on the role for more than 20 years.
During his tenure, he oversaw the UK military's vital role in supporting Ukraine from the start of the war in February 2022, the Armed Forces' contribution to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles the following year, the evacuation of around 2,500 British nationals and their dependents from Sudan in 2023, as well as the continued defence of international trade in the Red Sea by striking Houthi targets.
This year he has also overseen the deployment of CSG25 and aid delivery to Gaza.
Mr Healey told Parliament the conclusion of his time as CDS marks "a distinguished 35-year military career in the Armed Forces, serving in operations across the globe".
New CDS takes on a challenging role
As the new CDS, Sir Rich will be responsible for leading the future defence strategy of the UK military, current operations and building relations with other Armed Forces.
The role also involves being the principal military adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence.
"I am acutely conscious of the dangers we face and the important role that the Armed Forces play in protecting the UK, our allies and our interests around the world," he said.
"I want to pay tribute to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his exceptional work in leading the Armed Forces through the most intense period of operational demand and strategic complexity and for his unstinting support for Ukraine.
"It will be an immense privilege to lead the outstanding people of our Armed Forces."
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