Europe is not adequately prepared to deter or, if necessary, fight a major war, former First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas has warned, arguing that decades of defence spending cuts have left European countries struggling to rebuild their military capabilities.
In an interview with Ta Nea Savvatokyriako, the British admiral of Greek descent, whose family comes from Kastellorizo, said European governments were now paying the price for reducing defence budgets after the Cold War.
“European countries are not prepared for a large-scale military conflict,” said Zambellas, who led the Royal Navy from 2013 to 2016. He noted that Europe had relied for decades on the protection of the American security umbrella and had benefited from the so-called “peace dividend” after the Cold War.
“Now we are paying the price,” he said.
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Zambellas argued that European political leaders had chosen to redirect defence spending towards other priorities. He said governments must now invest in rebuilding military capabilities, but spend their money strategically.
Europe must develop capabilities long provided by the US
The former Royal Navy chief said the United States had provided essential military infrastructure, connectivity, missiles, ammunition and communications capabilities that helped hold NATO together.
European countries must now develop these capabilities themselves, he said, although many involve less visible and less politically attractive areas of defence investment.
Zambellas credited US President Donald Trump with forcing European governments to confront the problem.
“The Americans have carried a huge burden, and Trump was right to lift the lid, bring the problem into the open and force governments to wake up, recognise the situation and take responsibility,” he said.
He also warned that Europe was already facing what he described as a “grey war” involving cyberattacks, sabotage and threats against critical infrastructure.
He said governments had a responsibility to protect citizens from these ongoing hybrid threats and called for European leaders who understand emerging technologies and can prepare for future challenges rather than simply react to current problems.
Zambellas does not expect major escalation between Greece and Turkey
Asked about Greek-Turkish relations, Zambellas expressed optimism, although he acknowledged that individual incidents could create instability.
He said migration-related disputes had generated considerable tension between the two countries, which had remained in disagreement for decades.
However, he argued that diplomacy continued to reduce the risk of military confrontation.
“I believe both countries have a very mature understanding of the broader situation and of how they fit into the wider European and NATO family,” he said.
He added that he felt much more optimistic about the future than he had 15, 20 or 30 years ago.
“I do not think there will be any significant escalation,” he said.
Zambellas also said NATO had extensive experience in managing Greek-Turkish disagreements and would move quickly to de-escalate any tensions that might arise.
Greek Navy could join international coalition in the Strait of Hormuz
Commenting on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the former Royal Navy chief said the parties involved should pursue a negotiated solution through diplomacy, however difficult that might prove.
He warned that relying exclusively on military force to guarantee shipping access would leave operations vulnerable whenever circumstances changed.
Zambellas, who previously commanded NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), said Greece could contribute to an international coalition in the region.
“The Hellenic Navy is very capable. It can always participate in an alliance to provide assistance,” he said.
He also highlighted Greece’s substantial commercial interests in the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that individual shipowners would ultimately decide whether the risks and costs justified continuing operations.
“The market itself will decide,” he said.
Artificial intelligence will dramatically change our lives
Zambellas, who now holds senior positions in technology companies, also warned that artificial intelligence would bring profound and irreversible changes to society.
He described AI as a technological development evolving almost like a Darwinian process, representing the natural progression of technology created by humanity.
“We are now facing the consequences of our own creativity,” he said.
He predicted that artificial intelligence would have a dramatic and irreversible impact on people’s lives, affecting democracy, employment and the way individuals respond to life’s challenges.
The Greek roots of a British admiral
Born in Swansea, Wales, Zambellas grew up in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, where his father managed a regional medical unit.
He recalled that his father sent him and his brother to London when civil conflict made the country too dangerous to remain in.
His father, Michalis Zambellas, had studied medicine in Athens but left Greece during the German invasion in 1941. He joined the British Army Medical Corps in North Africa and returned to Greece after the war to complete his studies.
He later moved to Britain with his French-Scottish wife and their children. The family lived in Wales, Africa and eventually Buckinghamshire, England.
Asked how strongly his Greek heritage influenced his upbringing, Zambellas said Greek music still played at home.
He joked that he remained attached to songs from old Greek films and recalled a happy childhood that included elements of Greek tradition.
He also remembered Greece’s islands, sea, colours and sunlight. An uncle built a small bungalow on Evia, where the family spent holidays for approximately 30 years.
“It had become our second home,” he said.
Zambellas speaks a little Greek, although he admitted that his ability remains limited.
A 36-year career in the Royal Navy
Zambellas studied Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Southampton. His 36-year Royal Navy career began in 1980 after an unexpected encounter with naval pilots.
He said he had originally intended to become an aerospace engineer and had no desire to join the armed forces.
However, after speaking with naval pilots who visited the factory where he worked, he became attracted to their profession and decided to change careers.
He resigned from the company, which had employed him for five years, despite its warnings that he would fail to become a pilot.
Fortunately, he proved those predictions wrong.
In 2012, Zambellas received a knighthood as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. He also served as a naval adviser to Queen Elizabeth II and, since 2023, has held the position of Extra Equerry to King Charles III.
In 2024, he became Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle, one of the highest honours the British monarch can confer on a civilian.
His Greek heritage also distinguished him within the Royal Navy. He recalled that members of the Royal Family knew he was an unusual figure in the service: a Greek admiral.
Zambellas remembered Queen Elizabeth for her remarkable wisdom and described King Charles as empathetic, attentive and able to understand how people think. He also noted the King’s strong personal connections with Greece.
“I will always remember that I am the son of a Greek doctor who emigrated to this country. I am very proud of my Greek heritage, and I am impressed that I had the privilege and good fortune to have such a career,” he said.
(Source: Ta Nea)