World's getting more dangerous but we're going to be alright, head of Armed Forces says
The world may be experiencing worrying times, but the strategic advantages of countries like the UK and United States far outstrip those of their adversaries, the head of the Armed Forces has said.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, gave a resolute speech at the Ash Carter Exchange in Washington DC in which he emphasised the importance of being prepared to take military action when necessary.
He described a number of dangerous situations around the world, from the war in Ukraine to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, painting a clear picture of the challenges faced.
He said: "The world is undeniably becoming much more dangerous. It has gone from being competitive to contested and now - as we see from Iran's attack against Israel – it is increasingly combative.
"These are worrying times. But we are going to be alright. The international order is being tested and the whole world is responding."
The war in Ukraine
On Ukraine, he said: In Europe, we have a war with no end in sight. Last year's counter-offensive by Ukraine was less successful than hoped.
"But we risk overlooking the huge cost it placed on Russia in blood and treasure - and it was the backdrop for an attempted coup in Russia and Putin being indicted for war crimes."
Adm Radakin said the Russian army had performed better than anticipated at first, but has since made modest tactical gains at a huge cost to its economy.
As for the lessons learned from the conflict, he said: "That might mean long-range missiles for the British Army. Laser weaponry for the Royal Navy. Sixth-generation fighters for the RAF. Or transforming from a force with hundreds of drones to one with thousands of drones."
The Middle East
In the Middle East, Adm Radakin highlighted Iran's aggressive actions against Israel, which had worsened regional instability.
He said: "Last October's barbaric attacks in Israel have, as we feared, served to inflame regional tensions. We've seen an outright attack by Iran against Israel involving hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones.
"[We've seen] Houthi attacks against Western shipping in the Red Sea, attacks on US forces in Iraq and a sustained effort to delegitimise America and the western presence in the region.
"And we've also seen a corresponding wave of division and protest across the world."
The goal
The Chief of the Defence Staff emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach to security, integrating military, economic and diplomatic instruments to address complex threats effectively.
"Just as important as the military response is our broader approach, which embraces economics and diplomacy and links global security with our domestic prosperity," Admiral Radakin said.
He drew poignant parallels to past conflicts like the Second World War and the Cold War, and emphasised the non-negotiable principles of peace, sovereignty and self-determination.
"What we have seen unfold in the past few years is a battle of ideas.
"[A battle of ideas] between an authoritarian and belligerent Russia and a dynamic, democratic Ukraine, between a reckless Iran and its terrorist network on one side, and the responsible nations of the Middle East on the other.
"Between a China that believes it can dominate and coerce, and those nations that share a commitment to an international system that is open and free."
The response
He added: "This is how we respond to a more combative world. Through statecraft. Through even closer relationships. Through a willingness to take military action when required.
"The task now is to stay strong, stick together and see it through."
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