Royal Navy is ‘not ready for war’, says first sea lord

• The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, has admitted the Royal Navy is not currently ready for war, stating it will be by the end of the decade.
• Sir Gwyn confirmed the navy is not as prepared as it should be, despite being capable of conducting advanced operations if required.
• The admission follows criticism from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the Royal Navy's absence from Operation Epic Fury in the American-Israeli conflict in Iran.
• Donald Trump also criticised the UK, urging it to either purchase jet fuel from the US or forcibly take it from the Strait of Hormuz, and suggesting the US would no longer offer assistance.
• Sir Gwyn also highlighted that other NATO allies are similarly lagging in their war readiness, despite the alliance committing to increased defence spending targets.

IN FULL

First sea lord admits Royal Navy is not ready for war