Reflections from the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin is the professional head of the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces, military strategic commander and principal military adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence. Appointed Chief of the Defence Staff in November 2021, one of his first duties was to meet with his counterpart in Moscow to understand the intention behind Russia’s military build-up on the border with Ukraine. His time in post has subsequently been dominated by war in Europe. He regularly meets with his counterparts in Kyiv, Washington and Brussels to coordinate military assistance to Ukraine and strengthen NATO deterrence. He has also worked closely with the Gulf nations to manage the risks posed by the conflict in the Middle East and to promote stronger military-industrial ties with the region.  

An instinctive optimist and enthusiastic advocate of technological innovation, Admiral Radakin is a champion of the Defence Reform programme, which will see the creation of a new Military Strategic Headquarters to bring greater focus, prioritisation and accountability to the development of military strategy, capability and readiness. Admiral Radakin previously served as First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff from June 2019 until early November 2021, during which time he instigated a renewed Royal Navy presence around the globe, secured an expanded shipbuilding programme and helped broker the AUKUS agreement between the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. 

Commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1990, he has served in numerous command and staff appointments, both ashore and afloat, and in command of UK and international forces. Operational tours have included the Iran/Iraq Tanker War, security duties in the Falklands, NATO operations in the Adriatic, countering smuggling in Hong Kong and the Caribbean, and three tours in Iraq – each in command. 

A qualified barrister with an MA in International Relations and Defence Studies, he is a graduate of the Higher Command and Staff Course and the London Business School’s Senior Executive Programme, and various international courses, principally in America. In May 2023 he became the first commoner appointed to the ancient ceremonial office of Lord High Constable of England for the Coronation of King Charles III. Admiral Radakin lives in Hampshire with his wife and four sons, born between 1998 and 2005. He is president of the UK Armed Forces Tennis and Royal Navy Squash Associations, and Vice Admiral of the Royal Navy Sailing Association.