General · 13 January 2026
UK demands urgent defence rebuild amid global threats
The UK government published a comprehensive Strategic Defence Review in June 2025, calling for urgent transformation of the nation's defence capabilities. The review, led by Lord Robertson, identified serious threats including war in Europe, nuclear tensions, and cyber warfare. It recommends 62 reforms including increased spending to 3% of GDP by the 2030s and a shift to warfighting readiness at wartime pace. However, six months after publication, the crucial Defence Investment Plan remains unpublished, leaving military procurement in limbo. The review emphasizes rebuilding hollowed-out armed forces, addressing personnel shortages, and developing autonomous systems to counter evolving global threats.
Reported by House of Commons Library · How we write briefs