New UK representative to NATO appointed

Homeland January 22, 2026

Armida van Rij outlines the challenges Europe faces in scaling up its defence industrial base, the importance of public support for increased defence spending, and why economic growth should not be the primary justification for security investments. Courtesy of NATO Public Forum.

Lieutenant General Eldon Millar CVO MBE has been formally appointed as the UK Military Representative to NATO and the European Union, effective 20 January 2026.

The appointment, confirmed by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, sees Lieutenant General Millar succeed Lieutenant General Sir Ian Cave KCB, who retires following a distinguished forty-year career in the British Army. This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the UK’s “NATO First” defence strategy, as the Ministry of Defence prioritises Euro-Atlantic security and high-readiness operational capabilities.

Lieutenant General Millar brings extensive operational and command experience to the role, having begun his career in the Royal Engineers with a specialisation in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. His background includes multiple NATO-led deployments in the Balkans and the Middle East, alongside senior joint assignments within the Ministry of Defence. Most recently, he served as Deputy Commander of NATO’s Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy and the NATO Allied Reaction Force. His expertise in force structure and high-readiness command is expected to be a significant asset as the UK seeks to harmonise its domestic defence output with the Alliance’s evolving military requirements.

For businesses operating within the UK defence supply chain, this appointment underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a leading role within the NATO delegation. Lieutenant General Millar’s previous leadership in NATO’s Allied Reaction Force indicates a deep understanding of the requirements for rapid deployment and technological interoperability. As the UK Military Representative, he will be central to the dialogue between the UK’s strategic objectives and the Alliance’s collective defence planning. This role is instrumental in ensuring that British military requirements—and by extension, the industrial capabilities that support them—are aligned with NATO standards and procurement pipelines.

The transition in leadership occurs as the UK continues to hit significant defence spending milestones, aiming for 2.6% of GDP by 2027. This fiscal commitment is designed to support the largest sustained increase in defence investment since the Cold War, focusing heavily on modernising the equipment plan to meet NATO’s 360-degree threat environment. For prime contractors and sub-contractors, Lieutenant General Millar’s appointment signals a continuity in the UK’s proactive stance on international security and support for Ukraine. As the UK strengthens its integration with Allied forces, the demand for resilient supply chains, standardised equipment, and innovative defence technology is expected to remain a primary driver for industrial growth and cross-border cooperation within the Euro-Atlantic region.

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