Admiral Tony Radakin, the head of Britain’s armed forces, has warned that the world is on the brink of a “third nuclear age,” marked by a range of simultaneous challenges and the weakening of safeguards that previously helped control nuclear threats.
In a speech, Radakin emphasized the need for Britain to recognize the gravity of the threats it faces, even if the likelihood of Russia launching a direct nuclear strike on the UK or its NATO allies remains low. He pointed out that during the Cold War, nuclear deterrence between two superpowers kept threats in check, while the past 30 years were focused on global efforts to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. However, Radakin noted that the current situation is far more complex, with growing nuclear threats, the rise of disruptive technologies, and a lack of the security structures that previously maintained stability. He declared that we are entering a new, more uncertain nuclear era.
Admiral Tony Radakin highlighted several challenges facing the West, including Russia’s threat to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, China’s ongoing efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal, Iran’s lack of cooperation with global initiatives to control its nuclear program, and North Korea’s unpredictable actions. These threats are compounded by a rise in cyber-attacks, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns designed to destabilize Western nations.
Admiral Tony Radakin called the deployment of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian troops on Ukraine’s border the “most extraordinary development” of the year, warning that further such deployments could occur.
Radakin stressed the importance of ongoing reforms within the British military to ensure the UK is prepared for the evolving global security environment. He emphasized the need to maintain Britain’s nuclear deterrent, which he described as the most significant aspect of the country’s military capabilities, one that Russia is highly aware of and which has a greater impact on President Putin than any other asset.
Britain ensures that at least one submarine armed with nuclear missiles is always on patrol, ready to respond in the event of a nuclear attack. The UK government is currently carrying out a strategic defense review to assess how its military should be structured and equipped to address emerging challenges. The findings of this review are expected to be released in the first half of next year.