The head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, stated on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, that the United Kingdom must increase its warfighting readiness to counter Russian activity in the North Atlantic. Sir Gwyn identified Russia as the primary threat to British security, noting that Russian forces are actively testing the UK's defenses and mapping undersea infrastructure.
During a speech at Admiralty House, Sir Gwyn stated that maritime security is essential for sustaining trade, energy supplies, and data networks. He reported that the Royal Navy now averages two warship deployments per week to monitor Russian vessels and the "shadow fleet." According to the First Sea Lord, Russia is seeking advantages in the "grey zone," particularly concerning critical undersea infrastructure.
To address these challenges, Sir Gwyn outlined a shift toward a "hybrid Navy" model. This plan pairs traditional warships, submarines, and aircraft with drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI). He cited military experiences in Ukraine as evidence that it is no longer possible to defend a contested ocean with crewed warships alone. The Navy is currently focusing investments on anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, and maritime aviation.
The scale of the military response currently involves at least two warships every week for monitoring duties. This maritime strategy intersects with broader fiscal policy, as the government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure to meet a NATO target of spending 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense by 2035. The current budget aims for 2.7% of GDP by 2027.
The shift toward a hybrid fleet reflects a plan to modernize military assets. This transition to AI and drone-integrated systems may change the requirements for Navy personnel and influence future procurement contracts for defense manufacturers. The next steps involve the government clarifying its plan to reach the 2035 spending target.