British Army Shifts to Sub-40-Metre Combat After Lessons From Ukraine

At a briefing in Catterick Garrison, General Sir Roly Walker, the Chief of the General Staff (CGS), told roughly 700 members of the 1st (UK) Division that future fighting will occur at “zero to 40 metres.” He warned that the most lethal threats will be encountered at “that close,” urging troops to become “hard, tough, resilient and resourceful” to survive on the modern battlefield.

Troops must be the best at killing their enemy at short distances, head of the Army says

For the past two to six decades the British Army trained to engage the leading edge of an enemy force between 400 metres and four kilometres—a range designed for conventional, peer-on-peer wars. Walker explained that advances in battlefield technology had already pushed the engagement envelope outward, but combat experience in Ukraine demonstrated that the decisive danger now lies well inside the historic “close battle” zone. He described the old model as “fighting the Russians” and said the Ukrainian conflict showed that the “comfort space” of 400 metres no longer exists.

Troops must be the best at killing their enemy at short distances, head of the Army says

Walker’s remarks framed the doctrinal shift as a response to the realities of urban, forested and tunnel environments where enemies can strike from “spitting distance.” He emphasized that the Army must adapt its tactics, training and equipment to operate effectively in confined spaces, from derelict buildings to village streets. The CGS positioned this change as essential for the infantry—Paras, Gurkhas and other frontline units—who he said bear the nation’s defence when war arrives.

Troops must be the best at killing their enemy at short distances, head of the Army says

• “the things that are going to kill you are going to get that close” — General Sir Roly Walker

Troops must be the best at killing their enemy at short distances, head of the Army says

The CGS’s call signals a likely overhaul of infantry curricula, with greater focus on close-quarters battle drills, room-clearing, and rapid decision-making under fire. It also suggests a reassessment of equipment such as short-range weapons and protective gear suited for sub-40-metre engagements. If implemented, the shift could reshape the British Army’s readiness for high-intensity conflicts where enemies operate at the very edge of a soldier’s line of sight.

Troops must be the best at killing their enemy at short distances, head of the Army says