UK military chief raises alarm over potential Russian threat

Britain warned it cannot afford to fall behind Europe on defence

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton told the Financial Times that Britain needed to “catch up with our European allies”, who he believes have become more alert to Moscow's willingness to take greater risks. 

“This is the most dangerous period I’ve known in my adult life. That threat - principally from Russia, but more broadly globally - is rising.”

Sir Richard said Russia's activities across Europe had become too serious to be grouped under the broad label of “hybrid activity”. 

He pointed to targeted killings, sabotage and cyber attacks, saying there was evidence of Russian state involvement in operations across Europe and, to some extent, in Britain.

Wave of bomb threats puts European security agencies on alert

His warning comes as European intelligence and security agencies investigate a series of bomb threats sent to airlines and news organisations.

Officials from several countries are working together to trace their origin, although they have stressed that it is too early to establish who was responsible. 

Some within the intelligence community believe Russia is the most likely source, the FT reported. Moscow has previously denied involvement in hybrid attacks across Europe.

Knighton also believes the public needs to understand the risks facing the country, particularly as the government considers increasing defence spending. 

He has called on households to make basic preparations for possible disruption, following government advice to keep supplies of food and water at home.

Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, he revealed that he had discussed the recommendations with his wife and spent part of the weekend sorting through their cupboards.

“There’s a lot of tins in the Knighton household,” he said, explaining that he had also installed some extra shelves.

He added: “Our first line of defence for the nation are our emergency services - who do a phenomenal job - and the armed forces. But all of us can play a part in readying ourselves.”