Britain’s military leadership has emphasized the need for national preparedness in the face of growing threats from Russia. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton warned that ensuring future security will require the involvement of the “whole of society,” extending beyond the armed forces to include civilians, industry, and other national institutions.
Highlighting the seriousness of potential future conflicts, he stressed that citizens, including sons and daughters, may need to be ready to take up arms if circumstances demand. The comments reflect increasing concern over the country’s readiness and the evolving nature of modern warfare, which relies on collective resilience, coordination across sectors, and robust defence planning. Officials underline that national security in contemporary conflicts cannot be ensured by the military alone, but requires active engagement and preparedness from society as a whole.
