With World War III looming, Britain only has three years left to strengthen its military.
According to the new Chief of Staff, General Rory Walker, there is “just enough time” to “rebuild” the Army to be able to deter hostile nations from going to war with the West. Countries he sees as threats include Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, according to the Mirror.
Roy made it clear he didn’t think it mattered how the Ukraine war ended, as Russia would emerge from it as a “very dangerous” player seeking revenge “for what the UK has supported”. The former special forces commander, who survived service in Afghanistan, said it was important to make British troops more “lethal” and able to take on armies three times his size.
He also argued that the army, which has about 72,500 soldiers, may have to counter threats with older equipment because new vehicles and artillery may not be available in time.
“We have plenty of time to ensure we rebuild a land force that is prepared, operational and credible to support our deterrence strategy,” he told the Royal Institute of Joint Military Studies’ Land Warfare conference.
Sir Lorry acknowledged that the UK was not heading “down an inevitable path to war”, but added that there was an “urgent need” to strengthen the capabilities of its land forces. Britain needed to “use all the strengths of a free-market democracy against the weaknesses of a rigid, authoritarian command economy”, he continued.
Rory believes Britain has time to build up its military capabilities by 2027 or 2028, and he wants to double the military’s fighting power. He warned that a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan could drag the US and Britain into World War III.
He warned that Russia could well rearm with help from China, Iran and North Korea, and that by that time President Vladimir Putin may be feeling “anger and resentment” and that this conflict could “trigger” a new wave of conflict, Rowley said.
“If you think they’re depressed, [Russia] “Russia will strike back with vigor and vengeance,” he said during the meeting. Rolley went on to warn that Russia was not only seeking to annex Ukrainian territory but also to undermine the Euro-Atlantic security architecture.
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Sir Rory’s warning echoes those of General Patrick Saunders, who will become head of the British Army from 2022. Earlier this year General Saunders said the Western world had not been this close to war since 1945, and warned that the British military was underfunded and overstretched.
Sir Patrick said a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan would also be a major threat to global stability. He acknowledged Britain’s strong cybersecurity but pointed to weaknesses in other areas, such as air defence.
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