General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE

General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE is a senior consulting fellow with the International Security Programme at Chatham House.

From 2013–2016, Sir Richard served as Commander Joint Forces Command – now known as Strategic Command – where he was one of the six ‘Chiefs of Staff’ leading the UK armed forces. In this position, he was responsible for more than 20,000 personnel.

Sir Richard’s military career began as an artillery officer and included the last decade of the Cold War. He has served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

His considerable expertise has seen him advise on leadership, military and national security issues, particularly on Digital Age transformation for 21st century warfare.

He is co-chair of Universal Defence and Security Solutions, which brings together former senior military commanders, government officials, diplomats and industry experts to advise on defence, security and geopolitical challenges.

Sir Richard was asked by the UK Prime Minister to be one of the leaders of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published in June. The report tackled the most significant changes to defence for over 100 years.

His latest book, War and Peace: The Life and Times of General Sir Richard Barrons, was published in 2024.