UK military chief warns nation running out of time to boost defense

Key facts

• UK Chief of the Defence Staff Richard Knighton warned of a critical need to boost defenses.
• Knighton cited escalating Russian threats and delays in the Defence Investment Plan.
• The Defence Investment Plan aims to achieve 'warfighting readiness' for the armed forces.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to publish the plan before the July 7 NATO summit.
• Military chiefs reportedly warned Starmer of a £28 billion funding shortfall over the next four years.

Chief of the Defence Staff Richard Knighton has warned that the United Kingdom is running out of time to bolster its defenses in response to escalating Russian threats. Knighton stated that Russia is 'raising the stakes and risks crossing a line' and that the UK 'needs to spend more on defence and do it faster.' He highlighted that the risks and threats to Britain are greater than at any time since the Cold War. The Defence Investment Plan, intended to fund military equipment and services to achieve 'warfighting readiness,' has reportedly been delayed since last year due to budget disputes within the government. Defense Minister John Healey confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is determined to publish the plan before the NATO summit on July 7. Media reports suggest that military chiefs have warned Starmer of a £28 billion funding shortfall over the next four years, which is contributing to the delay. Starmer has pledged to increase defense spending to 3% of national output in the next parliament, but has faced criticism for a perceived gap between his rhetoric and actions regarding necessary investment. Knighton's warning comes after Russian jets entered British airspace as many times in the first five months of 2026 as they did throughout the entirety of last year.