Faced with an unprecedented convergence of global threats, the British Army’s new chief warns of urgent preparations needed to enhance military readiness within three years, or dire consequences could follow. Here’s the full story.
Grave Warning
In a stark and troubling assessment of the perilous state of global security, General Sir Roly Walker, the new Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, has issued a grave warning about the convergence of threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
“Axis of Upheaval”
Speaking to reporters, Walker underscored the need for the UK and its allies to prepare for potential conflicts that may arise within the next three years. The General warned that the UK was facing an “axis of upheaval,” whose military ambitions have grown in recent years. Consequently, he warned that the world must be prepared to “deter or fight a war in three years.”
Escalating Tensions
Walker’s remarks come against the backdrop of escalating tensions, particularly concerning China’s intentions towards Taiwan, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. The general referenced US intelligence reports suggesting that China’s President Xi Jinping has instructed the Chinese military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
Multifacted Threats
This, combined with Iran’s potential breach of nuclear agreements and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, presents a series of multifaceted threats. Walker highlighted the growing interdependence among the threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. This alliance, seen in Russia’s provision of weapons and components for its war in Ukraine, complicates global security dynamics.
Convergence of Threat
General Walker warned that due to the willingness of the UK’s adversaries to work together, by “2027-2028, this convergence may have reached some sort of mutual singularity and your ability to deal with them in isolation – a specific crisis that can be managed by the rules-based system – I think is significantly diminished.”
Global Problem
He added, “A problem in one area is likely to trigger a sympathetic detonation in another and therefore it is a global problem looked at from different perspectives around the world.”
Ambitious Army Plan
Addressing the need for increased military readiness, Walker outlined his ambitious plan for the British Army. He aims to “double our fighting power in three years and triple it by the end of the decade.”
Innovation and Technology
He clarified that this enhancement would not necessarily require additional resources but would leverage advanced technologies and battlefield innovations such as drones and artificial intelligence.
Medium-Sized Army
In his address at the Land Warfare Conference in London, Walker acknowledged the challenges posed by the current state of the British Army, which is at its smallest size in 300 years. Despite these constraints, he maintained that the focus should not be on increasing troop numbers but on enhancing the fighting capability through innovation and adaptation. “We are, in fact, a medium-sized army,” Walker admitted, suggesting that strength should be measured by effectiveness rather than sheer numbers.
Doubling Fighting Power
Walker stated, “If we can double then triple our fighting power, any British land force will be able to destroy a force at least three times its size and keep on doing that. That way we will have every confidence in being ready and able to fight anyone and win.”
Defence Spending Review
The UK’s strategic defence review, launched by the Labour government, examines the feasibility of increased defence spending. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from the current 2.32%, though a concrete timetable has yet to be established.
Political Support Needed
This review comes at a critical time when the army has already committed significant resources to support Ukraine. While Walker did not explicitly call for additional funding, he emphasised the importance of political support for military modernisation.
International Concerns
Walker’s concerns echo sentiments shared by international defence experts. Former NATO Secretary General George Robertson recently warned of a “deadly quartet” of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, noting their increasing collaboration. This aligns with Walker’s view that the convergence of these threats requires urgent attention and strategic planning to restore credible deterrence.
Cautious Optimism
Though General Walker remains cautiously optimistic about the British Army’s potential to adapt and overcome these challenges, he was unusually candid in insisting that changes must be made to keep up with potential adversaries.
Call to Action
Walker was similarly insistent that the need to rebuild and modernise the army is clear, as global security hangs in the balance. Though Walker insisted that the country was not “on an inexorable path to war,” his call to action will be viewed by many as a warning that the UK and its allies must bolster their military readiness or risk being caught off guard.
Unprecedented Warning
It remains to be seen whether General Walker’s calls to prepare for the worst will be ignored or his unprecedented warning will change the government defence policy.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Clive Chilvers.