The United Kingdom is facing its most dangerous security environment in decades and must prepare for the possibility of longer and more complex conflicts, according to the country’s chief of defence staff, Sir Richard Knighton.
Speaking during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Knighton warned that evolving threats from Russia are forcing Britain to reassess its defence priorities and strengthen military readiness alongside its allies.
“In my 35-year career, this is the most dangerous period that I have known,” Knighton said.
He stressed that the UK and its partners must enhance military capabilities to deter adversaries and prevent further escalation of global tensions.
According to Knighton, Russia has increasingly relied on tactics such as cyberattacks, technology smuggling, sabotage operations and alleged assassination attempts to test and challenge Western defences.
He also highlighted the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare, saying Britain must invest more heavily in unmanned systems as they continue to reshape military operations around the world.
“Over the last two decades we have been preparing for shorter wars and for conflicts that are confined and limited,” Knighton said. “What we need to ready ourselves for is potentially much greater, longer conflicts, as we’ve seen in Ukraine.”
The warning comes as the UK government prepares to unveil a major defence investment strategy ahead of the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for July 7 in Turkey.
Earlier this week, Defence Secretary John Healey informed Parliament that Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to publish the long-awaited defence spending blueprint before the gathering of NATO leaders.
The renewed focus on security follows a recent incident in which Russian drones reportedly struck a residential building in Romania, prompting concerns across the alliance. Romanian officials described the event as a serious security issue and called for emergency consultations among NATO members.
Prime Minister Starmer condemned the incident, describing it as a significant violation of NATO airspace.
The forthcoming defence investment plan is expected to outline funding needed to implement recommendations contained in Britain’s Strategic Defence Review.
Speaking during a visit to a defence contractor in Wiltshire, Starmer said the plan would provide the financial backing necessary to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.
“That is the plan that says here’s the money that goes with the capability,” the Prime Minister said.
“We bring the two together, and it is another step up, it is another increase in spending, but it is necessary. It’s the right thing to do to defend our country.”
Reports indicate that proposed increases in defence spending could exceed £18 billion, although discussions continue within government regarding the scale and affordability of the package.
The defence strategy is expected to be published in the coming weeks as Britain and its NATO allies confront an increasingly uncertain global security landscape.