UK navy chief calls for more warships, drones

Britain must strengthen its naval capabilities and rebuild its status as a major maritime power to counter growing Russian military activity, the head of the Royal Navy has said.

First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the UK needs to build more warships and drones and improve its ability to operate across the Atlantic as Russian activity increases around British waters, the Daily Express reports. 

In a speech on September 17, Jenkins urged Britain to “rediscover what it means to be a maritime nation” and called for stronger warfighting readiness.

He said the UK needed to “strengthen our warfighting readiness” in response to the changing security environment.

Jenkins also highlighted the capabilities of Russia’s navy, saying its arsenal includes high-precision, long-range weapons as well as systems designed to operate at extreme depths.

His comments come as the Royal Navy faces shortages of warships and submarines, with its fleet described as being at its smallest level in living memory.

Jenkins called on the British government to increase the country’s combat readiness and invest in naval capabilities to reinforce Britain’s position as a maritime power.

By Sabina Mammadli