The United Kingdom risks falling behind in strengthening its defence capabilities against growing threats from Russia, the head of the British Armed Forces has warned.
According to Reuters, Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Richard Knighton said Russia is “clearly raising the level of tension” and cautioned that critical security thresholds could be crossed.
“We need to spend more on defence and do it faster,” he said in remarks to the BBC.
Delays in defence investment plan
The government’s Defence Investment Plan is expected to set out funding for military equipment and services aimed at ensuring the UK Armed Forces are fully prepared for potential conflicts.
However, the plan has been delayed since last year due to internal disagreements over funding priorities.
Defence Secretary John Healey has said Prime Minister Keir Starmer is determined to present the plan before the NATO Summit on 7 July.
NATO pressure on spending commitments
The upcoming NATO summit is expected to be attended by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged the UK and European allies to increase defence spending and reduce reliance on Washington for security.
Starmer has pledged what he described as the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, targeting 3% of GDP in the next parliamentary term. However, critics say these commitments have yet to be fully delivered.
“Most serious threats since Cold War”
Knighton warned that the risks facing Britain today are the most serious since the Cold War, stressing that government policy must reflect the new security environment.
“The challenge for ministers is to make difficult decisions and set priorities,” he said.
UK media reports suggest military leaders have warned of a £28 billion funding gap over the next four years, which is believed to be contributing to delays in publishing the plan.
Rising Russian activity
Knighton also said Russia is increasing hostile activity against the UK, including more airspace incursions, systematic testing of Britain’s defensive responses, cyberattacks, sabotage operations and attempts to steal sensitive technology.
Former Defence Secretary and ex-NATO Secretary-General George Robertson has also criticised the government, saying there is a gap between rhetoric and action on defence spending.
“We must strengthen our capabilities as threats from potential adversaries increase,” Knighton said.
Source: CNA
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