Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Royal Air Force, issued a stark warning on Monday that the United Kingdom must be ready for the possibility of military conflict, citing Russia’s increasing combat experience and rapidly expanding capabilities.
Speaking publicly, Marshal Knighton highlighted that Russian forces have been hardened by nearly four years of full-scale war in Ukraine, describing their current strength as “something to be feared.” He emphasized the importance of preparing all segments of British society, stating that citizens must understand the realities of potential conflict and be ready to respond.
“The situation is more dangerous than I have witnessed in my career, and the price of peace is rising,” Marshal Knighton said.
He underscored the need for a whole-of-nation approach, calling for the development of defense industrial capacity, enhanced operational capabilities, and societal resilience to support national defense. “Sons and daughters, colleagues, veterans… everyone will have a role to play,” he said.
Russian Military Strength and Threat
Marshal Knighton noted that Russian armed forces now number over 1.1 million personnel, consuming more than 7% of GDP and around 40% of government expenditure, and have gained substantial combat experience in Ukraine. Russia has also reportedly developed new destabilizing weapon systems, including nuclear-capable torpedoes and cruise missiles.
While the RAF Chief acknowledged that the likelihood of a direct Russian attack on the UK remains relatively low, he stressed that the trend is worsening. “Even a small chance of a major conflict demands serious preparation,” he said.
UK Readiness and Comparison with European Allies
The UK’s armed forces currently total just over 70,000 personnel, with defense spending projected to rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. Marshal Knighton highlighted that neighboring European nations, such as Germany and Poland, are investing more heavily in defense, with Germany targeting 3.5% of GDP by 2029 and Poland already at 4.2%.
He also referenced statements from France’s Chief of Staff, emphasizing that readiness may involve sacrifices and preparation at a societal level, including an awareness of what conflict could entail.
“If we fail to raise awareness and engage society in discussions about these risks, we cannot expect government, industry, or the armed forces to fully respond,” he warned.
Marshal Knighton concluded that while the immediate threat to the UK differs from that faced by countries bordering Russia, the underlying trend of Russian military assertiveness is clear and requires urgent action.
