Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer has been appointed NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, becoming the most senior UK officer within the Alliance military command structure.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Stringer will take up the post in March 2026, replacing Admiral Sir Keith Blount, who has served as DSACEUR since July 2023. He will be the first Royal Air Force officer to hold the position since 1984, and only the third RAF officer to do so in the history of the role. The appointment continues the long-standing convention that the post of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe is held by a UK representative.
The role places Stringer as second-in-command to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and as deputy head of Allied Command Operations, responsible for the planning and execution of Alliance military operations. Defence Secretary John Healey said the appointment reflected the UK’s continued central role within NATO.
“I congratulate Air Chief Marshal John Stringer on his appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe,” he said. “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.”
Healey added: “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.”
He also paid tribute to Stringer’s predecessor, saying he was “grateful to Admiral Keith Blount for his dedication and commitment” and thanking him for his contribution to UK and international security. Speaking following the announcement, Air Chief Marshal Stringer said it was a privilege to take on the role at a critical moment for European security.
“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,” he said. “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 one billion citizens of NATO nations safe.”
He added: “I look forward to playing my fullest possible part with our vital allies and partners in maintaining our national and collective security as DSACEUR.”
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said the appointment underlined the importance of alliances in responding to shared threats.
“The threats we face don’t respect national boundaries,” he said. “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.”
Since August 2022, Stringer has served as Deputy Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command. His previous senior appointments include Chief of Staff at UK Joint Forces Command and Director of Strategy at UK Strategic Command.
I Hope he does not Forget to turn off the light when leaving.