UK chief of defence warns of perilous era since Cold War

Britain’s most senior military officer has warned that the country is facing its most dangerous period since the Cold War and must prepare for the possibility of prolonged conflicts. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said the United Kingdom may need to make different strategic choices and priorities in response to escalating threats from Russia.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Richard stated that Russia is actively probing and testing Western defences through cyber attacks, technology smuggling, sabotage, and assassination attempts. He characterized the current moment as the most perilous in his 35-year career, noting that the risks to the country are greater than at any time since the Cold War. He said Russia is raising the stakes and risks crossing a line.

The warning comes as the government prepares to publish its long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, a blueprint for military spending over the coming decade. Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament that Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to release the plan before a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, which begins on July 7. The document, originally slated for publication...