The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Gwyn Jenkins, has acknowledged that the Royal Navy is not currently prepared for war, stating that it will not be fully ready until the end of this decade. In an interview with Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, Sir Gwyn said: 'According to the defence investigation that was completed last year, I will be ready for war by the end of this decade.' He confirmed that while the navy can conduct advanced operations and would fight if ordered, it is not as ready as it should be.
Sir Gwyn's admission comes amid criticism from the United States over Britain's refusal to send naval vessels to support Operation Epic Fury, the American-Israeli campaign in Iran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth attacked the 'big, bad Royal Navy' for not contributing ships, while President Donald Trump urged the UK to either buy jet fuel from the US or seize it from the Strait of Hormuz, which remains under the control of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
The conflict has disrupted oil supplies through the strategic waterway, driving up global prices. Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'All of those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.'
Sir Gwyn noted that the UK is not alone in its lack of readiness, as other NATO allies are also falling short. He said: 'I also see that among our allies in Nato. I am not trying to scare people and together we have incredible resources.' NATO members have committed to a new target of investing 5% of GDP on defence and security by 2035, up from the previous 2% target, with all 32 allies meeting the old target last year.
