UK ill-equipped for pre-emptive Russian attack
The UK’s ability to respond to immediate security threats is at risk of eroding if it does not adapt to the new strategic reality being shaped by Russian activity, according to the UK's Chief of the General Staff, Gen Nicholas Carter.
Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on 22 January, Carter warned that the UK must be prepared for a pre-emptive attack from Russia ‘sooner than expected’.
'I believe our ability to pre-empt or respond to these threats will be eroded if we don't match up to them now. They represent a clear and present danger,' he said.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems]()
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.
-
![Forging strong partnerships for warfighting communications in space (Studio)]()
Forging strong partnerships for warfighting communications in space (Studio)
Mike Moran, Director of US Government Business at Amazon Project Kuiper Government Solutions, highlighted the evolution of space as a critical warfighting domain at the Defence in Space Conference (DISC) 2025, held this week in London.
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
