Strategic Defence Review: What it is and how it may affect the Armed Forces
The Strategic Defence Review is expected to be published in the near future, examining the threats the UK faces and how the Armed Forces must adapt.
The SDR was commissioned by the Labour Government shortly after taking office in July 2024, and is the first externally led defence review in British history.
Defence Secretary John Healey described the review as a "fresh look" at the challenges facing the UK, following years of concerns over hollowed-out Armed Forces, procurement waste and declining morale.
The government of the day has conducted at least one review of its defence policy in every decade since the Second World War, adapting to shifting global threats and military requirements.
The current Labour Government has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027.
The Treasury is expected to outline the path to reaching the 2.5% target this spring, likely as part of the broader spending review.
Who is leading the review?
Unlike previous government-led reviews, this SDR is being conducted by an independent panel of experts, led by:
- Lord Robertson, a former defence secretary and Nato secretary general.
- Dr Fiona Hill, a former senior adviser on European and Russian affairs to the US government.
- General Sir Richard Barrons, a former commander of Joint Forces Command.
The review is expected to deliver its findings in the spring.
Why is the review needed?
Speaking at the launch of the SDR last July, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK must prepare for a "more dangerous and volatile world".
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted growing instability, referencing Russia’s war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and the rise of hybrid warfare threats.
The Defence Select Committee has warned that the Armed Forces lack the readiness for sustained warfighting.
The British Army is at its smallest size since the Napoleonic Wars, recruitment struggles continue and the Royal Navy faces ship shortages despite its investment in aircraft carriers.
There is also concern over the state of the UK's nuclear deterrent.
The Vanguard-class submarines, which provide the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), are overdue for replacement by the new Dreadnought-class boats.
What will the review focus on?
The MOD has outlined key parameters for the review, ensuring that it remains focused on core national security priorities. These include:
- Nato-first defence policy – reaffirming the alliance as the cornerstone of UK security.
- Nuclear deterrence – maintaining the UK's strategic nuclear capability.
- Reinforcing homeland security – exploring options to strengthen national defence resilience.
- Ongoing support for Ukraine – ensuring the UK continues to provide military and financial assistance.
- Personnel priorities – reviewing the role of Armed Forces personnel within the broader defence strategy.
- Global commitments – maintaining strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, Gulf, and Middle East.
- Aukus agreement – strengthening security cooperation with the US and Australia, particularly on new submarines and advanced technology.
The review will assess whether the UK's existing and planned military capabilities align with these priorities and may recommend reprioritisation in key areas.
Will there be changes to military capabilities?
On 20 November 2024, the Defence Secretary announced that six outdated military capabilities, including helicopters, ships and drones, would be removed from service.
He said these decisions had the backing of military chiefs and had been made in consultation with those leading the Strategic Defence Review.
The SDR is also expected to examine how to streamline defence spending while improving warfighting readiness.
Challenges ahead
The SDR comes at a time when other European countries are significantly increasing their defence budgets.
Nations close to Russia, such as Poland and the Baltic states, are already spending closer to 3% or even 4% of GDP on defence.
Meanwhile, other EU Nato members, including Spain and Italy, are below the 2% target that was set more than a decade ago.
The UK is engaged in multiple global commitments, including:
- Providing military aid to Ukraine.
- Naval operations in the Red Sea alongside the US to counter Houthi rebel attacks.
- Maintaining a presence in the Indo-Pacific as part of the Aukus partnership.
Critics have questioned whether the UK can afford to maintain such an extensive global military presence while facing budgetary constraints and force reductions at home.
What happens next?
The call for evidence on the SDR closed at the end of September 2024, following input from military personnel, MPs, industry experts, and the public.
The review’s findings will be published in the first half of 2025.
The key challenge will be balancing financial realities with military requirements - and ensuring the UK remains a credible defence force in an increasingly volatile world.
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