The world is entering a “third nuclear age,” with growing threats to Britain from multiple nations, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, according to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff. Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on Wednesday, Sir Tony highlighted the increasing dangers posed by “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” from Russia, the expanding nuclear capabilities of China, Iran’s failure to uphold a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s unpredictable behavior.
While acknowledging these risks, Sir Tony emphasized that there was only a “remote chance” of Russia directly attacking or invading the UK, even in the event of a war between the two countries. He noted that Russia’s awareness of the UK’s nuclear deterrent was a significant factor in its military strategy. This is why successive British governments have invested heavily in renewing the country’s nuclear submarines and warheads, according to the Admiral.
“We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex,” Sir Tony said. He described this new era as more dangerous than any he had witnessed in his career, with global tensions at an all-time high. He called for greater defence funding and reform to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for a “clear-eyed” assessment of the threats facing the UK and NATO.
Sir Tony’s comments come amid concerns about the preparedness of the UK’s military forces. Defence Minister Alistair Carns warned that a major war could see the British Army wiped out within six to 12 months, underscoring the need for better reserves to handle large-scale conflict.
As part of the government’s response, the UK has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted the recent budget’s significant investment in defence and the ongoing strategic review of the armed forces, aiming to ensure Britain has the capabilities necessary to defend itself.
The UK’s armed forces currently have 109,245 personnel, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. However, the government has been under pressure to increase both the size and readiness of its military in light of the escalating global threats.