Britain has entered its most dangerous period in decades and must prepare for longer conflicts, the head of the armed forces has warned. Sir Richard Knighton, the chief of defence staff, said the country may have to make 'different choices and different priorities' in response to growing threats from Russia.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Richard said Russia is using cyber attacks, technology smuggling, sabotage and assassination attempts to test UK defences. 'In my 35-year career, this is the most dangerous period that I have known,' he said, adding that the armed forces need to enhance capability and readiness alongside allies.
The warning comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to publish a long-awaited defence investment plan before a Nato summit in Turkey on July 7. The plan, reportedly worth over £18 billion, has been delayed due to Cabinet disagreements over costs, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves reportedly considering scaling back the amount.
Sir Keir said the plan would be 'another step up' in military spending, providing funds for capabilities outlined in last year's Strategic Defence Review. 'It is another increase in spending, but it is necessary, it's the right thing to do to defend our country,' he said during a visit to a defence contractor in Wiltshire.
Sir Richard also stressed the need for greater investment in drone technology, describing it as 'increasingly important in the future of warfare'. He noted that recent events, including a Russian drone strike on a block of flats in Romania, highlight the evolving nature of threats.
