Brief
UK defence chief warns Europe must shoulder its own security as war returns
Sir Richard Knighton and Sweden’s General Michael Claesson call for stronger NATO northern flank and deeper European defence cooperation.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the UK’s chief of the defence staff, told The Independent that the return of large‑scale war to Europe means security can no longer be taken for granted. Speaking alongside Sweden’s Supreme Commander General Michael Claesson, he urged European nations to assume greater responsibility for collective defence.
What happened
Knighton highlighted Russia’s war in Ukraine as proof that military readiness, industrial capacity and national resilience are essential. He said the conflict has shown the urgency of preparing for aggression, not merely reacting to it. The two officers also noted recent joint Swedish‑Finnish fighter‑jet interceptions of Russian aircraft as a sign of growing coordination.
What the reports add
The Independent article adds that the United States is reportedly considering pulling nearly a third of its forces from Europe, a factor that could reshape NATO’s posture. Knighton and Claesson stressed the need to reinforce NATO’s northern flank and to collaborate on emerging technologies to keep European forces interoperable.
What was said
Knighton said, “Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of military readiness, industrial capacity and national resilience.” He added, “This is not about preparing for war. It is about preventing it.” Claesson echoed the call for unity, stating, “Peace is preserved through unity, preparedness and resolve.” Both officials warned that “weakness can invite aggression, while strength preserves peace.”
How it came about
The warning follows a series of recent moves in European defence, including Canada’s request to join the UK‑led Joint Expeditionary Force (see Felo coverage) and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s proposal to cut senior military posts, reflecting shifting priorities across the Atlantic.
Key facts
- Sir Richard Knighton warned that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence as war returns to the continent. (independent.co.uk)
- Knighton said Russia’s war in Ukraine highlighted the need for military readiness, industrial capacity and national resilience. (independent.co.uk)
- Knighton and Sweden’s General Michael Claesson called for reinforcing NATO’s northern flank and deeper cooperation on emerging technologies. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “UK’s military chief: War in Europe means our security cannot be taken for granted”
