The British Army will be prepared to launch strikes against Russia within minutes in the event of a threat to NATO’s eastern flank.
This was stated by the Chief of the General Staff of the United Kingdom, General Sir Roland Walker, according to The Sun.
According to him, troops and equipment on NATO’s eastern flank must be ready to “strike and operate within 30 minutes.”
He also promised to deploy “a significantly larger number of long-range and autonomous systems on the eastern flank” as early as this year.
“If deterrence fails… the price we impose on the aggressor must be felt immediately and, preferably, before they even leave their staging areas,” Walker said.
Currently, the United Kingdom already has a military contingent in Estonia.
General Walker emphasized that the country must be prepared to sacrifice the lives of its soldiers to protect national interests.
“The harsh truth is that blood is the heaviest and most valuable currency we can contribute,” Walker said.
He added that a nation’s military and moral readiness to send troops “to the front lines” defines Britain’s place in the world.
“This carries weight, builds trust, and ultimately shapes how war is waged and what peace will look like afterward.”
The general’s warnings came as the British Ministry of Defense faces a budget deficit of £28 billion.
Earlier this month, former Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carnes resigned in protest over the Labour government’s insufficient funding of the military.
The armed forces are also facing a funding shortfall that could force military leadership to cut back on training and operational activities.
General Walker also emphasized that “ground forces” remain a key element of conflict deterrence.
He currently commands the smallest British army in over 200 years — approximately 70,000 trained service members.
The Army is expected to face the largest cuts following the publication of the defense investment plan.
“Only ground forces can capture territory, and only ground forces can hold it,” Walker stated.
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