UK army chief raises alarm over defense capabilities, citing 'historic underinvestment,' 'deficiencies'

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – The British army chief on Tuesday raised alarm over the country's defense capabilities, citing "historic underinvestment" and significant deficiencies in a variety of critical areas, saying, "We need the humility to recognize that we're not as strong as we could be."

Chief of the Defense Staff (CDS) Admiral Tony Radakin expressed concerns over the current state of the UK's military capabilities during his address to the Royal United Services Institute’s land warfare conference.

Radakin raised several key concerns, including personnel, training, technology, and munitions stockpiles.

Despite these challenges, he assured that "near-term financial challenges" are being addressed.

"We need the humility to recognize that we're not as strong as we could be, and then the determination and focus to put this right," he emphasized.

In response to these concerns, the UK government has initiated a comprehensive defense review.

This review aims to draw lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and strategize for a global environment in which Russia is increasingly aligned with China, Iran, and North Korea.

Radakin also talked about the severe impact of the Ukraine war on Moscow, claiming that it cost Russia 550,000 men.

He added that it would take five years for Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore the Russian army to its pre-invasion state, followed by another five years to address the war's weaknesses.

The new government has pledged to increase defense spending to 2.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP), though it has not specified a timeline for achieving this target.

This increase in funding is seen as critical to modernizing and equipping the British Army with advanced technologies.

Radakin envisions an army outfitted with hypersonic missiles and battalions of one-way attack drones, which he believes will serve as a disruptor within NATO and push the alliance to embrace cutting-edge technology and enhanced lethality.

"We're addressing historic underinvestment and beneath the headline capabilities there are deficiencies in people, equipment, stockpiles, training, and technology," he added.

He stressed the importance of creating an army that can "push the boundaries of technology and lethality."