Key facts
- The UK's defense secretary states Russia's Arctic military buildup is the greatest security threat since the Cold War.
- Russia's Arctic presence could allow it to threaten a strategic chokepoint.
- Hypersonic missiles deployed from Crimea or Kaliningrad could target London.
- UK Chief of the Defence Staff warns the nation is running out of time to boost defenses.
- Risks to the UK are higher than at any point since the Cold War.
- The UK's delayed Defence Investment Plan is expected before the July 7 NATO summit.
- Russia poses the highest threat to the UK in decades.
- All five of the UK's Astute class attack submarines are currently unavailable due to maintenance.
- Russia's Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine conducted a missile test in the Barents Sea.
- The Arkhangelsk submarine fired an Oniks cruise missile, hitting a target 200 km away.
The United Kingdom is confronting its most significant security threat since the Cold War, driven by Russia's expanding military presence and capabilities. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has stated that Russia's Arctic military buildup represents the gravest danger the UK has faced in decades. Concerns are mounting that Russia could establish a 'chokehold' over strategic Arctic sea routes, which could then be used to target the UK with hypersonic missiles deployed from Russian bases. This potential threat could place London within range of such advanced weaponry, a scenario exacerbated by the current unavailability of the UK's entire fleet of five Astute-class attack submarines. These submarines are all out of service for maintenance and repair work, coinciding with warnings from military leaders about rising geopolitical tensions with Russia. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has cautioned that the UK is running out of time to strengthen its defenses against escalating Russian threats. The delayed Defence Investment Plan is anticipated before the July 7 NATO summit, a critical juncture for reassessing and enhancing national security strategies. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton and former Chief of Defence Staff Lord Peach have also voiced concerns, emphasizing Russia's intent to cause harm and urging both households and businesses to prepare for potential threats. Meanwhile, Russia's Northern Fleet has reported that its Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine successfully conducted a missile test in the Barents Sea, firing an Oniks cruise missile from underwater to hit a target 200 km away, simulating an attack on a surface ship. This event underscores the ongoing military exercises and advancements by Russia in its strategic positioning.