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RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer Appointed NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe

UK officials describe the choice as a reaffirmation of a NATO-first posture that preserves the tradition of a British holder.

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer

Overview

  • Stringer will take up the role in March 2026, succeeding Admiral Sir Keith Blount, who has served since July 2023.
  • He will be the first Royal Air Force officer in the post since 1984 and only the third from the service.
  • The position serves as second in command to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and as deputy head of Allied Command Operations, overseeing the planning and execution of Alliance military operations.
  • The Ministry of Defence framed the appointment as evidence of the UK’s leadership within NATO and its NATO-first approach to collective defence.
  • Stringer has been Deputy Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command since August 2022, following senior UK roles including Chief of Staff at Joint Forces Command and Director of Strategy at Strategic Command.