UK defence chief: Russian assassinations, sabotage and cyber attacks are very real

The United Kingdom is falling behind its European allies in preparing for the threat posed by Russia, according to the head of the British military. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the defence staff, told the Financial Times that Britain needs to “catch up with our European allies” to confront Moscow’s growing appetite for risk ^[1].

Knighton described the current climate as “the most dangerous period I’ve known in my adult life,” warning that the threat, principally from Russia, is rising globally ^[2]. He argued that the term “hybrid activity” no longer captures the extent of disruption caused by the Kremlin. Instead, he pointed to “targeted assassinations,” sabotage, and cyber attacks, stating these are “very real” actions by the Russian state with proven occurrences in Europe and “to some extent” in the UK ^[1].

This stark assessment comes as European security officials investigate the source of recent bomb threats targeting airlines across Europe. While the Kremlin has previously denied involvement in hybrid attacks, officials are reportedly increasingly confident that Moscow is the likely culprit, according to the Independent ^[2]. A cross-border intelligence investigation is underway, though attribution remains difficult.

Knighton emphasised that the government must clearly explain this threat to the public, particularly as it asks society to spend more on defence. He noted that Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of military readiness and industrial capacity. Writing for the Independent last month, he stressed that “this is not about preparing for war. It is about preventing it,” arguing that weakness invites aggression while strength preserves peace ^[2].

On a more personal note, the chief of the defence staff revealed he has been heeding the government’s call for households to stockpile food and water. Speaking to the BBC, Knighton admitted to spending the weekend clearing out cupboards, discovering “there’s a lot of tins in the Knighton household.” He added extra shelves to accommodate the supplies, urging the public to do the same. “Our first line of defence for the nation are our emergency services… and the armed forces. But all of us can play a part in readying ourselves,” he said ^[1].