The head of the UK’s armed forces has stated that the nation’s “sons and daughters” must be prepared to fight against the growing Russian threat | UK News

There is a growing risk that Russia could attack the UK, and the nation’s “sons and daughters” need to be ready to fight, the head of Britain’s armed forces has said.

In an extraordinarily blunt intervention, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warned that Russia’s military strength is increasing and is something to fear, with Russian troops now battle-hardened after spending the past nearly four years waging a full-scale war in Ukraine.

The UK’s armed forces will always be the first to respond.

He said the UK’s armed forces would always be the first line of defence alongside the rest of the NATO alliance, but society as a whole must also play a part in rebuilding resilience.

The chief of the defence staff said it was important to be honest with “families and households” across the UK about what it means to be prepared for “an array of real physical threats.”

Sir Richard Knighton
Image:
Sir Richard Knighton

Serving up a sombre reality check, Air Chief Marshal Knighton said he agreed with his French counterpart, General Fabien Mandon, who said last month that France must be ready for the possibility of losing its children in a potential war with Russia.

The British defence chief stated, “The situation is more dangerous than I have experienced in my career, and the cost of peace is increasing.”

“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 continued: “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.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

How serious is the threat from Russia?

Most people in the UK, though, no longer have direct experience of the armed forces thanks to the peace that followed the end of the Cold War almost 35 years ago.

The military chief noted that it was 65 years ago this month since the last national service call-ups took place, and 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

But he indicated that the kind of national defence and resilience that was once second nature to UK society up until the collapse of the Soviet Union needs to return.

He said that while there was only deemed by defence analysts to be a “remote” chance of up to a 5% of Russia launching a “significant direct attack or invasion” against the UK, this “does not mean the chances are zero”.

Pic: iStock
Image:
Pic: iStock

Air Chief Marshal Knighton said: “My point is that none of us can say with any certainty what the absolute risk might be. And even though simple binary statements might be easy for people to engage with, they risk instilling panic or complacency.

“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, and that is the key argument for action.”

Turning to the capability of the Russian armed forces, despite being locked in a major war against Ukraine, he said their “hard power is growing quickly”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

UK planning for Russian threats

“Over the past 20 years, Russia has delivered significant defence reform and investment into what were weak and hollowed-out armed forces,” he said.

“The Russian armed forces are now more than 1.1 million strong, consuming more than seven per cent of GDP, and around 40 per cent of government spending, which is a sum that has more than doubled over the past decade.”

By contrast, the UK army is a little over 70,000 soldiers, with the government only committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2.3% by 2027.

“We should be under no illusions that Russia has a massive, increasingly technically sophisticated, and now, highly combat-experienced, military,” the military chief said.

He described how 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, but what about Russia’s intent to use it?”

A Russian soldier fires a gun towards Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Pic: AP
Image:
A Russian soldier fires a gun towards Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Pic: AP

The military chief said the war in Ukraine and Russia’s willingness to target its neighbouring states show it “wishes to challenge, limit, divide and ultimately destroy NATO”.

But he acknowledged this threat is not yet felt in the UK as it is in countries that share physical land borders with Russia.

In a sign that he is seeking a more rapid increase in defence spending, he said Germany expects to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2029, while Poland is already at 4.2%.

“And we have seen just in the past few weeks France and Germany return to a form of national service.”

He continued: “In reality, other than proximity, the threat in the UK isn’t really any different to the threat in Germany, for example.

“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.”

The defence chief called out a podcast series by Sky News and Tortoise called The Wargame, which simulates a Russian attack on the UK, as an example of efforts in the media to raise public awareness.


Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The Wargame returns with new episodes

Building on the success of the highly acclaimed podcast The Wargame, Sky News presents The Wargame: Decoded – a one-off live event that takes you deep inside the minds of the wargame’s participants. Discover how they tackled the toughest challenges, the decisions they made under intense pressure, and even experience key moments of the game for yourself.

Click here to get tickets.

Sky News’ Deborah Haynes will guide the conversation with Sir Ben Wallace, Robert Johnson, Jack Straw, Amber Rudd, Keir Giles and General Sir Richard Barrons – real-life military chiefs, former government officials and leading experts. Together, they will unpack their experiences inside The Wargame, revealing the uncertainty, moral dilemmas and real-world pressures faced by those who must make decisions when the nation is under threat.

Join us for this unique event exploring how the UK might respond in a moment of national crisis and get a rare, unfiltered glimpse into how prepared the country truly is for war.



Source link

Hot this week

Two major London train stations closed from today for £20 million works

Two major London stations have been shut for three...

Jimmothy, the Viral Raccoon, Is Becoming an Earnable WoW Pet

Jimmothy, the viral raccoon, is becoming an earnable WoW...

Cheap Ingredient Makes the Best Stir-Fries: Why Cabbage Deserves a Place in Every Kitchen

Cheap Ingredient Makes the Best Stir-Fries, and surprisingly, that...

Archer Watch Straps – Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone Watch Strap

Product description Archer Watch Straps - Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone Watch Straps bannerbanner

Our Custom Fit is Too Legit

Are these watch straps seductively smooth? Yes. Are they astoundingly sturdy? Also yes. But the thing we’re most proud of about our Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone Strap is right there in the name itself – The Custom Fit! Size it once to your wrist, et voilà… your slick new watch band fits perfectly. No more fiddling with buckles every time you put on your watch - the fit is uniquely yours.

black strapblack strap claspclasp

Maximally Minimalist

So you found the perfect strap for your favorite watch. There’s just one problem: that bulky, excess tail. Most straps use a buckle which adds bulk and takes away from the clean look. In contrast, minimalist stretchy bands offer clean lines, but only come in a few preset sizes. We’ve solved both of these problems. Once you’ve customized it, you’ll have a watch strap precisely sized to your wrist, with no bulky tail and clean, minimalist lines. Classic, Clean and Custom!

The Workhorse of Watch Straps ski bootsski boots Distinctly Durable

Weather-tested and waterproof, our Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone strap is made to move with you, wherever life takes you.

custom fit claspscustom fit clasps Velvety Variety

We're confident that our Custom Fit Silicone will be your go-to band. With plenty of colors to choose from, you’ll always have the right look on hand.

closeupcloseup Fits most Watches

With 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm lug width sizes, this strap will fit most traditional and smart watches. Watch our sizing video below for more info.

strap pocketstrap pocket The Strap of All Trades

Sleek, soft, with elegant simplicity. Our curated collection gives you one for every occasion – on the go or on the clock, but always on your wrist.

navynavy Finally, Fit for All

With 22 sizing notches only millimeters apart plus 6 micro-adjustments, you’ll pare this silicone strap down to your exact size, big or small.

QR backQR back Easy Orientation

With quick release spring bars and orientation labels, you'll always know which way is up. To change straps, just slide the quick release lever.

swappableswappable Swapping Made Simple

Swapping our straps is a breeze, so you can easily switch colors to match your outfit or mood.

claspclasp Classic Clasp

This band features our timeless signature clasp. Durable, brushed stainless steel adds the perfect finishing touch to complement your watch.

The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. Selecting Your Size

Watch the Video for Details

Selecting Your Size


Determining the correct size strap for your particular watch is essential. The proper strap size for your watch correlates to its lug width or the space between its lugs. The lugs are the little points on the watch face where the strap attaches. Measure the space between them (in millimeters), and you have your strap size.

Take a look at the video to see how it's done. And if you still aren't sure, you can always check the manufacturer's specs.

The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone
Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ October 24, 2025
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FXNMDKL2
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here
Best Sellers Rank: #87,377 in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry (See Top 100 in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry) #131 in Men's Watch Bands
Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (105) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when('A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( 'acrLink-click-metrics', 'click', { "allowLinkDefault": true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count("acrLinkClickCount", (ue.count("acrLinkClickCount") || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when('A', 'cf').execute(function(A) { A.declarative('acrStarsLink-click-metrics', 'click', { "allowLinkDefault" : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count("acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount", (ue.count("acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount") || 0) + 1); } }); });

Opening a new venue is no easy feat, but that isn’t stopping these music lovers

Opening a new venue is no straightforward feat, but...

Topics

Two major London train stations closed from today for £20 million works

Two major London stations have been shut for three...

Jimmothy, the Viral Raccoon, Is Becoming an Earnable WoW Pet

Jimmothy, the viral raccoon, is becoming an earnable WoW...

Cheap Ingredient Makes the Best Stir-Fries: Why Cabbage Deserves a Place in Every Kitchen

Cheap Ingredient Makes the Best Stir-Fries, and surprisingly, that...

Archer Watch Straps – Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone Watch Strap

Product description Archer Watch Straps - Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone Watch Straps bannerbanner

Our Custom Fit is Too Legit

Are these watch straps seductively smooth? Yes. Are they astoundingly sturdy? Also yes. But the thing we’re most proud of about our Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone Strap is right there in the name itself – The Custom Fit! Size it once to your wrist, et voilà… your slick new watch band fits perfectly. No more fiddling with buckles every time you put on your watch - the fit is uniquely yours.

black strapblack strap claspclasp

Maximally Minimalist

So you found the perfect strap for your favorite watch. There’s just one problem: that bulky, excess tail. Most straps use a buckle which adds bulk and takes away from the clean look. In contrast, minimalist stretchy bands offer clean lines, but only come in a few preset sizes. We’ve solved both of these problems. Once you’ve customized it, you’ll have a watch strap precisely sized to your wrist, with no bulky tail and clean, minimalist lines. Classic, Clean and Custom!

The Workhorse of Watch Straps ski bootsski boots Distinctly Durable

Weather-tested and waterproof, our Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone strap is made to move with you, wherever life takes you.

custom fit claspscustom fit clasps Velvety Variety

We're confident that our Custom Fit Silicone will be your go-to band. With plenty of colors to choose from, you’ll always have the right look on hand.

closeupcloseup Fits most Watches

With 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm lug width sizes, this strap will fit most traditional and smart watches. Watch our sizing video below for more info.

strap pocketstrap pocket The Strap of All Trades

Sleek, soft, with elegant simplicity. Our curated collection gives you one for every occasion – on the go or on the clock, but always on your wrist.

navynavy Finally, Fit for All

With 22 sizing notches only millimeters apart plus 6 micro-adjustments, you’ll pare this silicone strap down to your exact size, big or small.

QR backQR back Easy Orientation

With quick release spring bars and orientation labels, you'll always know which way is up. To change straps, just slide the quick release lever.

swappableswappable Swapping Made Simple

Swapping our straps is a breeze, so you can easily switch colors to match your outfit or mood.

claspclasp Classic Clasp

This band features our timeless signature clasp. Durable, brushed stainless steel adds the perfect finishing touch to complement your watch.

The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. Selecting Your Size

Watch the Video for Details

Selecting Your Size


Determining the correct size strap for your particular watch is essential. The proper strap size for your watch correlates to its lug width or the space between its lugs. The lugs are the little points on the watch face where the strap attaches. Measure the space between them (in millimeters), and you have your strap size.

Take a look at the video to see how it's done. And if you still aren't sure, you can always check the manufacturer's specs.

The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. Quick Release Custom Fit Silicone
Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ October 24, 2025
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FXNMDKL2
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here
Best Sellers Rank: #87,377 in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry (See Top 100 in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry) #131 in Men's Watch Bands
Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (105) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when('A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( 'acrLink-click-metrics', 'click', { "allowLinkDefault": true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count("acrLinkClickCount", (ue.count("acrLinkClickCount") || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when('A', 'cf').execute(function(A) { A.declarative('acrStarsLink-click-metrics', 'click', { "allowLinkDefault" : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count("acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount", (ue.count("acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount") || 0) + 1); } }); });

Sarnath Achieves UNESCO World Heritage Status After 28 Years

Twenty-eight years after entering UNESCO’s Tentative List, Sarnath, where...

Clacton voters can bring reversing Brexit back on the table.

The Clacton by-election is a chance to “put Brexit...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img