Sir John Stringer

Wings, War and Wisdom: Air Chief Marshall Sir John Stringer.

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer began his career flying fast jets for the Royal Air Force, enforcing no‑fly zones over Iraq and flying combat missions over the Balkans. He went on to command air war against ISIS in the Middle East, overseeing every UK air operation during Operation Shader.

But what makes him exceptional is not just that he’s led in battle, it’s that he’s also helped shape how Britain and NATO think about the future of war. He’s served at the highest levels of defence strategy. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field, and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2025 Birthday Honours.

In March this year, he became NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the Alliance’s second‑highest military post, and the most senior role the UK holds in NATO. Sir John is a dear friend of mine and humbly reviews his extraordinary career and discusses the shape of things to come. So strap in, prepare for take-off and listen to the insights and stories of one of the most senior military leaders in the Western world.