The UK's most senior military commander has issued a stark warning that British families must prepare for greater 'sacrifice' as the nation faces a more perilous world, with a growing threat from Russia.
A Call for National Readiness
Speaking at a Royal United Services Institute event in Westminster on Monday 15 December 2025, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton stated that 'more people' need to be prepared to fight to protect the United Kingdom. He emphasised that while a direct Russian attack on the UK remains a remote possibility, 'the chances are not zero'.
Sir Richard outlined the daily reality of Russian aggression, citing a constant 'onslaught of cyber attacks' and the activities of agents conducting sabotage and killings on British soil. He warned that Russia's military power is expanding rapidly, becoming 'massive, increasingly technically sophisticated, and now, highly combat-experienced' due to its war in Ukraine and increased defence spending.
A 'Whole of Society' Effort Required
The Defence Chief called for a comprehensive national response to the deteriorating security environment in Europe. This effort, he argued, must extend far beyond the regular armed forces.
First, it requires bolstering the nation's fighting capacity. Sir Richard pointed to the need for not just regular troops, but also a significant increase in the numbers of reserves and cadets.
Second, he highlighted a critical need to revitalise the UK's defence industrial base. He described private investment in the sector as 'painfully slow' and in urgent need of acceleration. To achieve this, a new generation of workers is essential.
'Building this industrial capacity also means we need more people who leave schools and universities to join that industry,' Sir Richard stated. He called on defence and political leaders to explain the sector's importance, and for schools and parents to encourage children and young adults to take up careers in defence.
The Rising Price of Peace
The government has already committed to raising UK defence and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 at the latest. However, Sir Richard framed this financial commitment as part of a broader societal cost.
'Our objective must be to avoid war, but the price of maintaining peace is rising,' he cautioned. He stressed that unless the grave risks are clearly communicated, neither government decision-makers nor the wider public will be willing to pay that price.
In a powerful conclusion, the Defence Chief painted a picture of a nation mobilising: '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.'
