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.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft
Announcements on aircraft deals and agreements for trans-alliance cooperation to boost the production and purchase of weapons and equipment were key takeaways from this week’s NATO summit.
-
Ukraine experience forces rethink of counter-UAS doctrine
A panel session at Eurosatory 2026 brought together industry, academia and the French armed forces to assess how Ukraine’s battlefield reality is reshaping counter-UAS (CUAS) technology, air defence doctrine and Western procurement priorities.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Iran’s attacks on UAE have “accelerated” Edge’s plans, says company
The UAE’s Edge has undergone massive changes since it was formed in 2019, from acquisitions to partnerships, and has now set up a European division in Paris.