Starmer Warns Russia Could Hit NATO by 2030, Pledges 10-Year Defence Plan
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jun 5
Starmer Warns Russia Could Hit NATO by 2030, Pledges 10-Year Defence Plan
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jun 5
Summary
2030 is the earliest point Russia could attack a NATO country, Starmer said, citing UK and allied intelligence as he promised to publish Britain’s delayed defence investment plan before the July 7 NATO summit in Turkey.
2.5% of GDP is the UK’s new defence-spending target from next year, with Starmer also aiming for 3% in the next parliament and insisting the long-awaited 10-year plan will be fully funded.
A dispute over costs has held up the plan since late last year, according to UK media, even as Starmer used a visit to a drone manufacturer to stress the urgency of rearmament.
Richard Knighton, Britain’s military chief, called this the most dangerous period of his 35-year career and said the armed forces must raise capability and readiness with allies to deter Russia.
The warning aligns with wider NATO concern: Mark Rutte said in December that Russia could be ready to use military force against the alliance within five years, while Trump has pressed Europe to spend more.
Is NATO's spending spree readying it for the wrong kind of war with Russia?
Is Europe's massive rearmament a necessary defence or a self-fulfilling prophecy leading to a wider war?
As America steps back, can Europe build a unified army to deter Russia on its own?
The Five-to-Seven-Year Window: Europe’s Defense Spending Surge and the Urgent Need for NATO Readiness
Overview
Intelligence assessments from top European and NATO defense officials warn that the current period is the most dangerous in decades, driven by Russia's increasingly aggressive behavior. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, reflecting on his long career, called for Britain to urgently enhance its defense capabilities. This sense of urgency was echoed in a joint warning by Germany’s and the UK’s defense chiefs, who urged European nations to confront hard truths and make tough decisions about defense spending. These warnings highlight a significant shift in the security landscape, demanding immediate and coordinated action across Europe.