UK Security Experts Urge Active War Preparations Against Russia

UK security experts and former military chiefs said Britain must actively prepare for the possibility of a future war with Russia.

This shift in posture reflects a growing concern over civilian resilience and national security. If the UK fails to bolster its defenses and infrastructure, officials said the country could be vulnerable to large-scale conflict.

Former Army chief General Sir Patrick Sanders and Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton said the country must be ready by 2030 ^[2]. This timeline suggests that critical preparations must be implemented within the next five years ^[2].

Proposed measures include the revival of the Civil Defence Service, which was shelved in 1968 ^[1]. Experts said the government should focus on building bunkers, and strengthening air defenses to protect the population. Mass mobilisation planning is also cited as a necessity for national survival in a high-intensity conflict ^[5].

Beyond military hardware, the warnings extend to domestic stability. Crisis adviser Tim Lang said the UK should prepare for food rationing similar to the systems used during World War II ^[4]. Such measures would address potential disruptions to food security caused by global instability or direct conflict.

Security and defence editor Deborah Haynes and researchers from the think-tank Rusi said these requirements are part of a broader strategy to increase civilian resilience ^[1]. While the government issued warnings nearly a year ago, specific public guidance on how individuals should prepare remains pending ^[1].

These recommendations emphasize a transition from a peacetime economy to one capable of sustaining a prolonged military effort. The focus remains on integrating military readiness with civilian infrastructure to ensure the state can function under extreme pressure ^[3].