General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the head of the Royal Navy, has issued a stark warning that Russia is "looking for weakness" in the United Kingdom's defenses and that the threat of inter-state conflict is "rising." Speaking aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in Oslo, Norway, Sir Gwyn emphasized that the Kremlin will test Britain's "resolve."
He stated that the path to peace lies in demonstrating seriousness about facing potential threats. "Prepare for war if you want peace," Sir Gwyn told attendees at the 2026 International Sea Power Conference. "That means building our strength, adapting faster, standing together and demonstrating that, if required, we are ready to fight."
The Royal Navy is undergoing a significant modernization effort, described as its most extensive recapitalization since World War II, with a focus on being fully prepared by the end of the decade. This includes the construction of 13 new frigates and the acquisition of "several dozen" uncrewed platforms for coastal defense. The service is also developing jet-powered drones, known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designed to operate from the UK's carrier fleet starting in 2027.
Despite these advancements, the Royal Navy's current fighting surface fleet is at its smallest since the mid-17th century, comprising six Type 45 destroyers and seven Type 23 frigates. The recent unveiling of its first squadron composed entirely of autonomous platforms, including Kraken uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), marks a step towards enhancing coastal defense capabilities, monitoring critical infrastructure, and rapidly responding to hostile activities.
Sir Gwyn reiterated the Royal Navy's commitment to readiness and its role in deterring conflict. "The pledge I make today is the Royal Navy will be ready, we will continue to lead, and when our allies need us we will not be found wanting," he said. "The Royal Navy is rebuilding and getting ready for what could lie ahead. That is how we protect our nations. That is how we deter war."