Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Radakin outlined the UK’s contributions to NATO and the effectiveness of allied deterrence against a more dangerous Russia.
This autumn, two Royal Navy aircraft carriers were deployed simultaneously, with one leading NATO forces in the North Atlantic. Radakin highlighted their importance in maintaining NATO’s operational readiness and sending a clear signal to adversaries.
“The strategy of deterrence by NATO works and is working,” Radakin said. “But it has to be kept strong and strengthened against a more dangerous Russia.”
The carriers, alongside other NATO forces, have been instrumental in reinforcing the alliance’s collective security. Radakin noted the continued integration of UK assets into NATO operations as a demonstration of Britain’s commitment to the alliance.
Britain’s NATO Contributions
Radakin underscored the breadth of the UK’s involvement in NATO, which includes:
NATO’s Largest Exercise in a Generation: Over 20,000 UK personnel participated, demonstrating the scale of Britain’s commitment.Operations: The Royal Navy and RAF have been active in the Middle East, with destroyers intercepting missiles in the Red Sea and RAF jets targeting Houthi positions in Yemen.Training: The UK continues to lead efforts like Operation INTERFLEX, which has trained 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and supports NATO’s deterrence operations in Eastern Europe.
Radakin praised the UK’s ability to deliver value from its defence budget, highlighting its leadership in operational capability and strategic foresight.
Radakin stressed that NATO’s deterrence strategy remains robust, with the UK playing a central role. He noted that the possibility of a direct Russian attack on NATO members, including the UK, is remote due to the alliance’s overwhelming response capabilities, whether conventional or nuclear.
“Russia knows the response would be overwhelming,” Radakin said. “Our investments in platforms like aircraft carriers and our contributions to NATO’s deterrence operations are central to this strength.”
Radakin finished up on the importance of maintaining the UK’s strategic edge within NATO. He praised the alliance’s unity and the UK’s ability to operate seamlessly across its initiatives, from carrier operations in the Atlantic to counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East.
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