UK’s top military chief: Large-scale war in Europe means our security cannot be taken for granted
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The head of the UK military has warned that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence as war returns to the continent and shows that security can no longer be taken for granted.
Writing for The Independent, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the UK chief of the defence staff, and his Swedish counterpart General Michael Claesson urged the need to reinforce Nato’s northern flank in the face of new threats and “reckless acts of aggression” from abroad.
The warning came just days after Sweden and Finland scrambled fighter jets together for the first time to intercept Russian military aircraft, while the United States is reportedly considering pulling nearly a third of its forces out of Europe.
“Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of military readiness, industrial capacity and national resilience,” the military chief said. “It has also reinforced the need for European nations to strengthen their defence capabilities and assume greater responsibility for their collective security.”
Sir Richard, who is the most senior officer in the UK military, and General Claesson, the supreme commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said that their two countries ought to work more closely together around emerging technologies to strengthen Nato’s edge and ensure that Europe’s armed forces can operate together seamlessly when needed.
“This is not about preparing for war. It is about preventing it,” they said, adding: “History has repeatedly shown that weakness can invite aggression, while strength preserves peace. The purpose of deterrence is simple: to convince our adversaries that the costs of aggression will far outweigh any potential gain.”
The officers assessed that Europe’s security environment has changed more profoundly in recent years than at any time since the end of the Cold War.
“The return of large-scale war to Europe, persistent cyber-attacks, acts of sabotage, disinformation and reckless acts of aggression all serve as reminders that our security can no longer be taken for granted,” they said.
Sir Richard and General Claesson said that Europe still retains the partnerships, capabilities and determinations needed to overcome the “significant” challenges it faces.
“By investing in our people, our societies and our defence, we strengthen Europe's northern flank and send a clear message: aggression will not succeed,” they said.
“Peace is preserved through unity, preparedness and resolve. Security is not somebody else’s responsibility. In uncertain times our greatest strength remains our willingness to stand together.”
Russia earlier on Wednesday warned Nato that it would be ready to resort to using nuclear weapons if the alliance interfered with its exclave bordering the Baltic Sea, the latest escalation in rhetoric with relations tested by the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory should Nato countries undertake any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad Region from the rest of the country,” a document sent to the bloc said.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said the alliance had responded to Russia's message by declaring: “We are a defensive alliance. And stop the nuclear threats. This is absolutely not called for and not helpful.”
Sir Richard Knighton was chosen by former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to lead the Ministry of Defence as chief of the defence staff last year. He was previously head of the Royal Air Force.
