Royal Navy chief says Russia is 'looking for weaknesses' in UK defences and the threat of conflict is 'rising'

Résumé détaillé

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the Kremlin will test this country's 'resolve' and that the threat of inter-state conflict is 'rising'.

Published: 17:15 GMT, 10 November 2026 | Updated: 22:20 GMT, 10 November 2026

The head of the Royal Navy has warned Russia is 'looking for weakness' in Britain's defences.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the Kremlin will test this country's 'resolve' and that the threat of inter-state conflict is 'rising'.

The First Sea Lord told an audience aboard HMS Prince of Wales the solution was to prove this country was 'serious' about facing down the threat.

The £3.5billion aircraft carrier has docked in the Norwegian capital Oslo where it is hosting a conference of senior officers and ministers from across Europe.

General Sir Gwyn insisted the Royal Navy was being remodelled to defeat Russia with 13 new frigates being built and 'several dozen' uncrewed platforms purchased to protect Britain's shores.

The Royal Navy is also developing jet-powered drones, known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which will fly from HMS Prince of Wales and her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth.

However, until those additional those additional ships and uncrewed platforms enter service, the Royal Navy will remain at its smallest since the mid-17th century.

Presently, its fighting surface fleet consists of just six Type 45 destroyers and seven Type 23 frigates.

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