Military chiefs share a glimpse of what lies ahead for the Armed Forces in 2026

As we welcome in the New Year, service heads have shared what is in store for the Armed Forces in 2026. 

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton warned that this year will bring "more uncertainty and volatility in the world" and that more will be asked of those in uniform. 

First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said he is looking forward to carrier deployments across the Atlantic to the US, as well as winter deployments for the Royal Marines. He also paid tribute to the Continuous At Sea Deterrent submarines and her crew on patrol that continue "doing the essential job that they do". 

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Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker said there will be "another round" on the development of Asgard - with exercises scheduled in Estonia - as the British Army continues to put "substance and meaning" behind the Nato mission. 

Hopeful of the possibility of peace in Ukraine next year, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth said the RAF will play a key role in delivering the "safe skies" portion of the coalition of the willing – a partnership made up of 35 countries which have pledged support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.