Royal Air Force Chief Warns UK Will Lose Air Supremacy
- The UK will have to fight for control of the air against a more capable enemy.
- The RAF has historically focused on conflicts in the Balkans, Middle East, and Afghanistan.
- Modern threats require the RAF to adapt quickly and ensure it remains competitive.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton addressed the audience at the Royal United Services Institute, indicating that the UK must prepare for a challenging strategic landscape. He emphasized that the RAF's focus for the past 25 years has not aligned with the current threats posed by nations like China and Russia. The rapid advancements in military technology and a three-week adaptation cycle in Ukraine signify that air dominance is no longer assured. The RAF plans to introduce new aircraft, but upgrades to current fleets alone may be insufficient for the evolving challenges faced in modern warfare. Knighton stressed the necessity for continuous modernization, particularly against the backdrop of China's and Russia's advanced military developments, urging for investments in next-generation capabilities to avoid the pitfalls of historical conflicts.