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Military chief warns of unprecedented dangers
The UK is confronting greater risks than at any point since the Cold War, the nation's most senior military officer has declared. Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton described the current period as the "most dangerous" he has encountered during his career.
Russian aggression escalates
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Richard revealed that Russian strategic aircraft have breached UK airspace as frequently in the first five months of 2026 as they did throughout the entirety of 2025. He cautioned that Moscow's actions risk "crossing a line" and signal a sharp escalation in hostilities.
Shift in defence strategy needed
The 2025 Strategic Defence Review was framed as a "call to arms," Sir Richard said, marking a departure from the UK's recent focus on short, contained conflicts. He stressed the need for the armed forces to prepare for prolonged wars, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a stark example.
Defence Investment Plan delayed but imminent
The government's Defence Investment Plan, which will outline funding for new equipment and infrastructure over the next decade, is expected to be published within weeks. Originally scheduled for release in autumn 2025, the document has faced repeated delays. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed on Friday that it would be finalised ahead of an upcoming NATO summit.
"We've been working on that defence investment plan for some time, very closely with our armed forces, as you would expect, because we need that interaction."
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
Funding and modernisation challenges
Sir Richard expressed confidence that ministers recognise the urgency of the threats and are increasing defence spending. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of balancing competing priorities, stating: "We need to spend more on defence and do it faster."
He also highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, noting that drones and autonomous systems will play an increasingly critical role in future conflicts.
Broader threats and political criticism
Russia is not only testing the UK's conventional military defences but also employing cyberattacks, sabotage, and assassination attempts, Sir Richard warned. "Russia is definitely raising the stakes and risks crossing a line," he said.
His comments follow a scathing assessment by former defence secretary Lord Robertson, who accused the government of "corrosive complacency" towards national security. In a speech in April, Lord Robertson, now a key government adviser, warned that the UK's security is "in peril" and criticised the prioritisation of welfare spending over defence.
"We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget. We are under-prepared. We are under-insured. We are under attack. We are not safe."
Lord Robertson, former UK Defence Secretary
Downing Street responded at the time by emphasising that the UK's defence budget is already at record levels and that further increases are planned.
Call for societal awareness
Sir Richard urged the public and policymakers to recognise the severity of the threats facing the UK. "It is important that society and all of us understand that and that may mean we need to make different choices and different priorities," he said.
