HMS Prince of Wales and her 900-strong crew operate F-35B stealth jets, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters and Malloy drones - a potentially war-winning combination (Picture: MOD)

Navy

Risk of conflict may be on the rise - but war is not inevitable, says First Sea Lord

11th November 2026 at 8:45am

The risk of conflict is rising and Russia will continue to test the resolve of the UK and its allies and look for any weakness, the First Sea Lord has warned.

But General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said war was not inevitable – as long as potential enemies believe the country is serious about defence.

He said he was under no illusion about the world we face, saying: "Prepare for war if you want peace. That saying is 1,600 years old – and it remains true today."

Interactions like this interception of a Russian Tupolev Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft send a message to Moscow that Nato is ready should the need arise (Picture: MOD)

A message of hope

Gen Sir Gwyn was referring to an expression attributed to Roman military writer Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus from the late 4th century.

He continued: "That means continuing to build our strength, adapting faster, standing together and demonstrating that if required we are ready to fight."

The head of the Royal Navy was speaking at the International Sea Power Conference - which was held aboard Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, which is currently alongside in Oslo in Norway.

He told attendees: "I have said before that we are back in an era of state-on-state contest.

"And for many of us in this room, even those of us with long careers in uniform, that is unfamiliar territory. It feels unsettling, and we shouldn't pretend otherwise.

"But I leave today with something else as well - hope. Because the lesson of the last few years is that we are not powerless."

HMS Prince of Wales and her sister carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth are cvapable of projecting British naval and air power across the globe (PIcture: MOD)

Royal Navy renewed in steel

The Royal Marines officer also discussed the vision to rebuild the Royal Navy, saying: "Now is the time for action.

"Eighteen months ago I became the First Sea Lord. It has been, and will remain, the greatest privilege of my professional life.

"Since the day I started, my core mission has been to do one thing - to rebuild the Royal Navy and refocus it on its fundamental purpose: to lead, fight and win.

"The Defence Secretary recently made clear the task before us: we must be ready to do so within 1,000 days.

"That is why everything the Royal Navy now does is focused on the end of the decade, so that we are ready to protect our nation, alongside Nato and our allies."

Gen Sir Gwyn admitted the journey was challenging, with a long way to go, but he added: "Each month we are building.

"What motivates me every day is the knowledge that we have turned a corner.

That we, the Royal Navy, are now in a period of renewal. And you can see that renewal in steel."

Royal Navy sailors on board experimentation ship XV Patrick Blackett successfully launch a strike-capable drone at sea, marking a significant step forward in the UK's drive to create a hybrid naval force (Picture: MOD)

A hybrid fleet fit to fight

The First Sea Lord insisted the Royal Navy remained a world leader, adding: "The future is undeniably bright.

"We are now engaged in wholesale renewal of the fighting fleet, the nuclear deterrent and the support that keeps both at sea.

"That should send a clear message to our allies and adversaries alike - that we, as a nation, are fully committed to strengthening our maritime power.

"But that is only a part of our journey.

Because if we are to overcome the threats and challenges we have been discussing today, the Royal Navy has to be able to fight and generate combat power in a different way.