UK Military Chief Urges Britain to Prepare More Seriously for Russia

Britain must strengthen its preparedness to deter a potential threat from Russia, the country’s top military officer said on Monday, warning that the United Kingdom's defence readiness is not yet as robust as that of some European allies facing heightened security risks.

Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton said Russia continues to challenge NATO through military pressure, political coercion, and hybrid warfare tactics, creating a security environment that requires stronger national security preparedness.

Knighton said several European nations have taken tougher steps in response to the evolving security situation, including higher defence spending and broader public engagement in national defence, while Britain has yet to feel the threat as directly.

• UK military chief warns Britain must prepare more seriously for potential Russia threat
• Defence chief says UK readiness lags some European allies amid NATO tensions
• Richard Knighton calls for whole-of-society approach to strengthen UK deterrence

He stressed that deterrence strategy depends not only on military strength but also on defence industrial capacity, public awareness, and long-term planning.

“Our aim must be to prevent conflict,” Knighton said, adding that military deterrence is effective only when a country demonstrates it is prepared to defend itself. He warned against the continued “hollowing out” of the British armed forces and said Britain must rebuild capabilities that have been reduced over time.

The remarks come as NATO countries reassess their defence posture amid the prolonged Ukraine war and growing pressure from the United States for European allies to shoulder more responsibility for regional security. Russia’s actions, Knighton said, show a willingness to exploit weaknesses and divisions within Western alliances.

He called for a broader whole-of-society defence approach, involving reservists, defence manufacturers, and skilled workers, alongside the armed forces. Investment in military technology, ammunition production, and workforce readiness was critical to sustaining long-term military capability, he added.

Knighton’s warning echoes recent statements from UK intelligence chiefs about rising cyber threats and disinformation campaigns linked to Moscow.

Also Read: Musk Net Worth Hits 600B USD as SpaceX IPO Plans Take Shape

While Britain maintains that it seeks stability rather than confrontation, Knighton said credible UK defence deterrence requires preparation across government, industry, and society, as tensions with Russia remain a long-term strategic challenge.