The United Kingdom has appointed Lieutenant General Eldon Millar CVO MBE as its new Military Representative to NATO and the European Union, marking a significant leadership transition at a
critical time for Euro-Atlantic security.
The appointment was confirmed by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng. Lieutenant General Millar will formally assume the role on 20 January 2026, succeeding Lieutenant General Sir Ian Cave KCB, who is set to retire after nearly four decades of distinguished service in the British Army.
Lieutenant General Millar brings extensive operational and strategic experience to the post. He began his military career in the Royal Engineers, where he developed specialist expertise in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Over the years, he has served across the full breadth of UK Defence, combining frontline operational deployments with senior joint and policy-focused roles within the Ministry of Defence.
His international experience includes multiple NATO operations spanning the Balkans, the Middle East, and other key theatres, giving him deep insight into alliance operations and multinational military cooperation.
Most recently, Lieutenant General Millar served as Deputy Commander of NATO’s Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy, as well as the NATO Allied Reaction Force. In this role, he played a pivotal part in shaping NATO’s force structure and supporting Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) in operational command and readiness.
As UK Military Representative to NATO and the EU, Lieutenant General Millar will act as the senior military voice representing British defence interests within the Alliance and European institutions, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to collective security, deterrence, and defence cooperation.