Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey has paid tribute to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin as he steps down after three years as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), praising him as a “driving figure of the Coalition of the Willing” and a steadfast ally of Ukraine, according to Forces News on September 2.
Speaking in Parliament during a session on the war in Ukraine, Healey lauded Radakin’s role in rallying international support for Kyiv. “He’s widely respected… a true friend of the Ukrainian people… as President Zelensky himself said last week,” Healey told MPs, recalling the admiral’s recent visit to Kyiv.
French Chief of the Defence Staff General Thierry Burkhard (C-R) and British Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Tony Radakin (C-L) walk on a platform upon their arrival by train at the railway station in Kyiv on April 4, 2025 (Source: Getty Images)
Radakin was joined by his successor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, in his final trip to Ukraine, where both military leaders met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The outgoing CDS reassured Kyiv that London’s commitment would not falter. “Our support for you and for Ukraine is not personality dependent; it’s nation dependent and [Sir Rich Knighton] will continue that level of support in exactly the same way that you would expect,” Radakin told the Ukrainian president.
According to Forces News, Healey also underlined Britain’s stepped-up efforts to arm Ukraine, noting that in the last 50 days alone the UK has supplied nearly five million rounds of munitions, 60,000 artillery shells, rockets and missiles, 2,500 drones, 30 vehicles, engineering equipment, and 200 electronic warfare and air defense systems. The accelerated push is part of the government’s $6 billion package for Ukraine in 2025.
UK Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton during his visit to Ukraine. (Source: The President of Ukraine)
Radakin, who served a year longer than expected, leaves office after a 35-year military career. He was the first Royal Navy officer to hold the CDS role in more than two decades.
During his tenure, he oversaw Britain’s military support for Ukraine from the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, coordinated armed forces contributions to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III, and directed the evacuation of 2,500 British nationals from Sudan in 2023, Forces News wrote.
He also led UK operations in the Red Sea against Houthi militants, the deployment of Carrier Strike Group 25, and aid deliveries to Gaza.
-72e32e2e8a42f8347acfef3f0316f46d.jpg)
Read more
CategoryWar in UkraineRussia Is Already at War with the UK, Just Not the Way You Think
Apr 09, 2025 18:43
Healey told Parliament the conclusion of Radakin’s service marked “a distinguished 35-year military career in the Armed Forces, serving in operations across the globe.”
Sir Rich Knighton now takes on one of the UK’s most demanding defense posts. As CDS, he will serve as principal military adviser to the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary, lead Britain’s military operations, and shape long-term strategy, Forces News wrote.
“I am acutely conscious of the dangers we face and the important role that the Armed Forces play in protecting the UK, our allies and our interests around the world,” Knighton said. “I want to pay tribute to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin for his exceptional work… and for his unstinting support for Ukraine. It will be an immense privilege to lead the outstanding people of our Armed Forces.”
Earlier, the United Kingdom outlined long-term plans to deliver extensive support to Ukraine after Russia’s war comes to an end.
Support a drone unit—see your impact firsthand
Related articles