In a significant policy shift, UK Defence Secretary John Healey has announced that the government’s new Strategic Defence Review aims to make the British Army “10 times more lethal.” This ambitious plan includes a £2 billion investment in drone technology, development of long-range missiles, and the construction of up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines. The review also proposes increasing the army’s size to 76,000 personnel and enhancing cyber and space defence capabilities. Healey emphasized that these measures are necessary to address the growing threats posed by Russia, China, and other global challenges. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks of increased military automation and the lack of confirmed funding sources for these initiatives.
The government’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a longer-term goal of reaching 3%, has also been met with scrutiny. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed this commitment, he has declined to set a specific timeline for achieving the 3% target, stating that setting an arbitrary date would be “the politics of yesterday.” Instead, he emphasized the importance of conducting a strategic defence review to determine the necessary steps within the government’s fiscal rules.
The proposed defence enhancements include the commissioning of up to 12 new SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, advancements in cyber and space defences, and the integration of artificial intelligence and drones into military operations. Additionally, the plan envisions the construction of at least six new weapons factories and the establishment of a home guard. The British Army’s personnel is set to increase to 76,000, marking a significant expansion. These initiatives are designed to make the British Army “10 times more lethal,” according to Defence Secretary John Healey.
Despite the ambitious nature of the review, critics have expressed concerns regarding the lack of confirmed funding sources and the potential impact on other areas of public spending. The Conservative Party has labeled the plan an “empty wish list,” citing the absence of concrete financial commitments. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has also criticized the government’s approach, noting that industry figures were briefed on the defence review ahead of Members of Parliament, potentially circumventing parliamentary scrutiny.
In response to these criticisms, Starmer has defended the government’s approach, stating that setting arbitrary dates for defence spending targets has been a feature of past administrations and has often led to unmet promises. He emphasized the importance of a strategic defence review to determine the necessary steps within the government’s fiscal rules. Starmer also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO as central to maintaining peace and deterrence.
The strategic defence review represents a significant shift in the UK’s defence policy, focusing on modernization and technological advancements to address contemporary security challenges. While the plan has garnered support from some quarters, it has also sparked debate regarding its feasibility and the implications for other public services. As the review progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the government’s ability to balance defence spending with other national priorities.
