‎'Sons and Daughters Must Be Ready to Fight,' UK Defence Chief Warns of Rising Russian Threat

‎The head of Britain’s armed forces has issued a stark warning about a potential Russian threat to the UK, urging citizens to be ready to defend the nation. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton highlighted that Russia’s military has grown stronger and more combat-experienced after nearly four years of war in Ukraine. He stated, "The situation is more dangerous than I have known during my career, and the price of peace is rising."

‎

‎UK military warns Russia’s growing power demands national readiness, urging "sons and daughters" to strengthen defence resilience and societal preparedness.

‎PA

‎

‎The defence chief emphasized that the UK’s armed forces, alongside NATO allies, form the first line of defence. However, he stressed that the entire society must contribute to rebuilding resilience. "Our response needs to go beyond simply strengthening our armed forces. It needs a whole of nation response that builds our defence industrial capacity, grows the skills we need, harnesses the power of the institutions we will need in wartime and ensures and increases the resilience of society and the infrastructure that supports it," he said.

‎

‎Air Chief Marshal Knighton echoed the concerns of his French counterpart, General Fabien Mandon, noting the importance of preparing society for potential sacrifices in wartime. "Sons and daughters. Colleagues. Veterans… will all have a role to play. To build. To serve. And if necessary, to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means," he added.

‎

‎The military chief pointed out that many UK citizens lack direct experience with the armed forces, given the peace following the Cold War. He recalled that national service call-ups ended 65 years ago and World War II concluded 80 years ago, emphasizing the need to restore a culture of national defence.

‎

‎While the chance of a direct Russian attack on the UK is considered low, defence analysts caution that the risk is not zero. Knighton said, "My point is that none of us can say with any certainty what the absolute risk might be… What really matters is the trend. Are the chances of conflict growing? And here, I think the evidence is clear that the trend, from Russia in particular, is worsening."

‎

‎Russia’s military capabilities have expanded significantly over the past two decades. With over 1.1 million personnel and high investment in defence, Russian forces have become technically advanced and battle-hardened. Knighton warned, "We should be under no illusions that Russia has a massive, increasingly technically sophisticated, and now, highly combat-experienced, military." The UK, by contrast, has just over 70,000 soldiers, with planned defence spending rising only modestly to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.

‎

‎Knighton also highlighted Russia’s development of destabilizing weapons systems, stating, "Russia is developing new and destabilising weapons systems such as nuclear-armed torpedoes and nuclear-powered cruise missiles putting nuclear weapons in space. So it is absolutely clear that Russia's hard power is something to fear."

‎

‎Comparing international defence spending, Germany aims for 3.5% of GDP by 2029, and Poland already invests 4.2%. France and Germany have reintroduced forms of national service, highlighting a broader European response. Knighton emphasized that raising public awareness in the UK is crucial to encourage government, society, and industry to act. "Unless we are able to raise awareness and stimulate the conversation with society about the risks, we can't expect the rest of government, society and industry to act or bear the costs," he said.

‎

‎The Sky News and Tortoise podcast series The Wargame serves as a media example illustrating potential Russian attacks on the UK, promoting public understanding of emerging threats.