Britain’s top military leader has warned the world is entering a “third nuclear age,” marked by rising threats and weakening safeguards that once prevented nuclear escalation. Admiral Tony Radakin, chief of the defense staff, addressed the complexities of current global security challenges during a speech at the Royal United Services Institute on Wednesday.

Radakin highlighted several key threats, including Russia’s nuclear posturing in Ukraine, China’s expanding nuclear arsenal, Iran’s defiance of international nuclear restrictions, and North Korea’s unpredictable actions. He also pointed to the increasing use of cyber-attacks and disinformation to destabilize Western nations.

Unlike the Cold War era, when nuclear deterrence between two superpowers prevented large-scale conflict, the current landscape is far more complicated, Radakin said. He stressed the importance of maintaining Britain’s nuclear deterrent, which remains a significant influence on Russian decision-making.

The speech emphasized the need for military reforms to address these evolving threats. As part of this, the U.K. is conducting a strategic defense review to reshape its armed forces for the future. The findings are expected to be released in the first half of 2024.