Admiral Sir Tony Radakin

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin is a senior Royal Navy officer who has served as the Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces, since November 2021. He previously served as the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2019 to 2021. Radakin's career has spanned key operational commands and strategic leadership roles during a period of significant transformation for the UK's defence posture, including the implementation of the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.

Early life and education

Anthony David Radakin was born on 10 November 1965 in Oldham, Lancashire. He was educated at Hutton Grammar School, a state school in Preston. He subsequently read law at the University of Southampton, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Before joining the Royal Navy, he briefly worked as a solicitor in the city of London.

Naval career

Radakin entered the Britannia Royal Naval College in 1990. His early sea appointments included service on the Type 42 destroyer HMS *Exeter* and the Type 23 frigate HMS *Marlborough*. He commanded the Type 23 frigate HMS *Norfolk* from 2003 to 2005, during which the ship deployed to the Atlantic Ocean and participated in counter-narcotics operations. He later served as the Commander United Kingdom Maritime Forces and EU Naval Force Somalia from 2012 to 2014. His senior staff roles included Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Capability) and the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff. He was appointed First Sea Lord in June 2019, succeeding Admiral Sir Philip Jones. During his tenure, he oversaw the introduction of the *Queen Elizabeth*-class aircraft carriers and the development of the Royal Navy's future frigate programmes, including the Type 26 and Type 31.

Chief of the Defence Staff

Radakin succeeded General Sir Nick Carter as Chief of the Defence Staff on 30 November 2021, becoming the first naval officer to hold the post since Admiral Sir Michael Boyce in 2003. His appointment coincided with heightened tensions following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and he has been a key figure in coordinating the UK's military support to Ukraine, including the provision of NLAW anti-tank weapons and training programmes under Operation Interflex. He has been a leading advocate for the modernization and integration of the British Armed Forces as outlined in the Defence in a Competitive Age paper, emphasizing investment in cyber warfare, space capabilities, and AI. His tenure has also focused on strengthening alliances, including NATO and the AUKUS security pact with Australia and the United States.

Personal life

Radakin is married to Lady Radakin, and the couple has two sons. He is a keen rugby union fan and supporter of England and British & Irish Lions tours. He has cited former First Sea Lord Admiral Sir John "Sandy" Woodward, commander of the British task force during the Falklands War, as a professional influence.

Honours and awards

Radakin was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2012 for his service as Naval Assistant to the First Sea Lord. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2019 Birthday Honours upon becoming First Sea Lord. He is also the recipient of the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service for his service during the Iraq War. In 2022, he was awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit, First Class by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his support to Ukraine.

Category:1965 births Category:Living people Category:Royal Navy admirals Category:First Sea Lords Category:Chiefs of the Defence Staff (United Kingdom) Category:Knights Commander of the Order of the Bath Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Category:People from Oldham