UK revives Cold War-era strategy, prepares for major conflict
The UK is preparing for a major conflict (photo: Getty Images)
The UK develops an updated version of a large-scale plan to prepare the entire country for a possible transition into a wartime footing. The strategy will cover all sectors, from the military and police to hospitals and industrial enterprises, according to Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton.
New strategy essence
Sir Knighton says the updated version of the so-called Government War Book will be based on lessons from the Cold War but "in a modern context, with a modern society, with modern infrastructure."
The plan envisions readiness not only of the armed forces but also of the civilian sector for large-scale conflicts.
Special attention will be given to the resilience of critical infrastructure — power plants and water supply systems. They are expected to be modernized with potential wartime threats in mind, not only protection from natural disasters or hybrid risks.
Preparedness for countering Russia
The Chief of the Defense Staff also emphasized the UK's readiness to take decisive action against Russia's "shadow fleet." He noted that even the mere prospect of London targeting sanctioned tankers is already forcing Moscow to change its shipping routes.
"We must prepare for large-scale conflicts. That requires us to educate ourselves and help the population understand some of those threats and help them understand what they can do to support the nation," Sir Richard Knighton said.
He also added that the Ministry of Defense is awaiting faster approval of funding from the Treasury to implement a 10-year investment plan.
"What I want is a defence investment plan that is properly funded and delivers what we want," Knighton stressed.
UK defense sector situation
Earlier, UK Defense Secretary John Healey said that London is not afraid of retaliation from Donald Trump over policy differences regarding the war in Iran. He stressed that the UK remains a key US partner and plans to significantly increase investment in its armed forces.
Media previously reported that British intelligence uncovered a covert Russian operation in the Atlantic Ocean. Russian submarines attempted to approach critical cables and pipelines, after which London publicly warned the Kremlin of serious consequences.
There were also reports that the Royal Navy has not seized any Russian "shadow fleet" tankers in the English Channel, despite the readiness of special forces, as legal constraints under international law are reportedly preventing such operations.
